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She turned her face to the pillow, and tlie couch shook from her 
sobs. (Page 104) 



REAPING 

THE 

WHIRLWIND 


A STORY OF TO-DAY 


By 

CHRISTINE FABER 

Author of 

^AN ORIGINAL GIRL,^ Etc. 


NEW YORK 
P. J. KENEDY & SONS 
J905 


LIBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDie? Received 


JAN 30 1906 

GoDyrichl Entry 

s . f o ^ 

CL'ASS XXc, No. 

n ^ ! 3 ^ 

COPY B. 


COPYRIGHT 

1905 

P. J. KENEDY & SONS 



REAPING THE WHIRLWIND 


CHAPTEK I. 

Eastbury folk gave to the sole living member of the 
Brower family the same high regard they had given to 
her once prominent father. The tradition of former 
wealth still clung to her and her own exclusiveness did 
the rest; also, that she was a young girl and a girl of 
unusual beauty, contributed much to the popular feel- 
ing for her in a country town where there were no 
rivals. 

On this summer morning, seated on the low sill of 
the cottage window, she looked as fair and sweet as the 
roses which grew within touching distance in the gar- 
den below. She was strewing flower petals about her 
and humming a lively tune evidently in accord with 
her gay spirits. But the tune was suddenly stopped 
and she herself in some sense shocked as there sounded 
from the depths of the little room: 

And so you are going ? ” 

1 


2 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


The speaker was a tall, masculine looking woman 
with a form that showed angles instead of curves — 
angles everywhere, as if they were wantonly made. 

Her face matched her form ; hard, pallid, cold, 
indented with lines which were not the effect of age, 
and made repellent by a wide, rigid mouth and scanty, 
straight, black hair. The only redeeming feature of 
this uncomely face were the eyes, but even they, black 
and lustrous as they were, caused fear and repulsion 
rather than admiration. Her voice was deeper than 
the ordinary feminine tones, and there was a .slowuess 
and distinctness about her words painfully unnatural, 
being in such strange contrast to her quick, nervous 
motions. 

The girl sprang from her seat: 

Yes, I am going, and why should I not go, Barbara 
Balk ? ’’ her face flushing hotly, and her whole manner 
showing disdainful defiance. 

But Miss Balk did not depart from her uncompro- 
mising attitude, nor from her painfully slow and 
distinct tones. 

Because there is no legitimate reason for you to 
go, and because, if you do go, you will return more 
filled with vanity and folly than you are now. These 
are the reasons why you should not go, Helen Brower.’’ 

The girl laughed saucily. 

Do you think I am going to resign the only chance 
I ever had, and perhaps ever shall have, of seeing a 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


3 


great city like 'New York? Don’t be a fool, Barbara, 
and set up those antiquated notions of yours against 
the customs of civilization and good society. I expect 
to return knowing a good deal more than I know now, 
for you may be sure I shall keep my eyes and ears 
open, and what if I do come back with better taste 
about my own dress, and disposed to give even you 
some ideas about your ugly old costume? What do 
you say to that, Barbara ? ” and she laughed heartily. 

Miss Balk waited in haughty silence for the mirth 
to subside; then, without a change in her countenance 
or the slightest alteration in her unnatural manner of 
speaking, she replied : 

You are a vain fool, Helen Brower, and you’ll 
come to grief through that vanity of yours before you 
die, mark my words. Where you’re going now you’ll 
run your head into a noose of your own making, and 
you’ll break somebody’s heart, but it won’t be your 
own — oh, no I it will not be your own.” 

A grim smile played for an instant about Miss Balk’s 
thin, pallid lips. 

Helen began to pout. 

I do not know why you say such things to me ; I 
am not beholden to you, Barbara Balk, and when my 
father died he did not charge you to be my mentor, and 
I shall not submit to such dictation,” shaking her head 
and straightening her slight figure. 

Better for you your father left somebody to be your 


4 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


mentor. But it makes little difference; your tether 
will be short ; faces like yours do too much mischief to 
reign long; and now, having told you to your face 
truths that other people will say behind your back, I 
should like to ask you a question on my own account. 
What do you intend shall become of me during your 
absence ? ’’ 

with an accent of intense astonishment. 
“ Why, you will stay here, of course, and keep house 
as usual.’’ 

Oh, indeed ! And entertain the rats, I suppose, 
that make nightly feast in the garret over my head ? 
Thank you, but I purpose doing no such thing. You 
have said you would be afraid to live here alone. I 
see no reason why I should have more courage.” 

Why, Barbara, you are forty years old, and I am 
only nineteen, and you have lived here and kept house 
for papa ever so many years. Of what can you pos- 
sibly be afraid ? ” 

!Yot of abduction, certainly, you would say if your 
prudence hadn’t checked you,” replied Miss Balk, with 
a sarcasm that made her unnaturally slow tones still 
more unfeminine and painful. But, nevertheless, I 
decline to perform the part of hostess to myself, and 
during the half-year of your absence I shall board with 
Mrs. Burchill.” 

Mrs. Burchill ! ” There was amazement and dis- 
may in Miss Brower’s exclamation. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


6 


Yes ; Mrs. Burchill. Does it astonish and dis- 
please you ? Are you afraid that I shall tell Gerald 
Thurston disparaging things of you; that I shall de- 
scribe to him your vanity and selfishness; that I shall 
tell how your very gentleness of manner, which he and 
everybody else admires, is only another offshoot of 
your vanity; that there is no genuine kindness in it, 
and that he’ll never know until he marries you how 
little real heart you have? Bah! don’t be afraid. I 
shall not tell him; if he is silly enough to be caught 
by your pretty face, let him put up with the conse- 
quence.” 

If we were both men, Barbara Balk, I’d strike 
you where you stand,” and the flaming cheeks and 
eyes and clinched hands of the speaker evinced a very 
desperate inclination to enforce her threat, regardless 
of sex.' 

Miss Balk was not in the least dismayed. She 
folded her long, bony, scantily-covered arms, and looked 
down scornfully on the indignant young beauty. 

Keep your wrath, Helen,” she said ; “ you’ll only 
waste it on me.” 

But the girl’s sudden anger had changed as suddenly 
to passionate grief; she flung herself on the floor and 
sobbed : 

Oh, papa ! why did you insist that I should keep 
this woman with me ? ” 

Miss Balk was as little moved by the sight of her 


6 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


companion’s tears as she had been hj her anger, and 
waiting only for the sobs to become sufficiently subdued 
for her own voice to be heard, she said : 

Your father insisted that I should remain with 
you because he knew that I was the only one who would 
tell you the truth about yourself. And now, you’d 
better not cry any more, but just face what you can’t 
get away from; that’s me. You’ll never get away 
from me till one or the other of us is taken by death. 
If you attempt to leave me. I’ll follow you ; I’ll haunt 
you, and I’ll publish the story of your broken promise 
to your dying father until you are shamefully dis- 
graced. I won’t disturb you while you are on this 
visit, even if you should make it longer than the six 
months you say you will stay; but you must write 
regularly, and there’s Gerald Thurston coming in.” 

There had been no change in the tone of her voice, 
nor in her slow manner of speech, as she uttered the 
last words, so that the weeping beauty on the floor 
did not immediately catch their purport ; when she did, 
the old-fashioned knocker was already sounding, and 
Miss Balk had gone, with her heavy step, to open the 
door. Helen hastily gathered herself up, and fled into 
another room. 


CHAPTEK 11. 


Manly was the most fitting term with which to 
describe the young fellow whom Miss Balk, with grim 
politeness, was ushering in. He had neither the regu- 
larity of feature nor the richness of complexion to be 
styled handsome, but he had the strong, athletic phy- 
sique and manly bearing which go to women’s hearts 
far quicker than mere beauty of face. 

He seated himself with graceful familiarity to await 
Miss Brower’s coming, and without again addressing 
Miss Balk; there was never much intercourse between 
these two, owing to a settled antipathy on the part of 
each. And Miss Balk, having brushed with her apron 
the window sill which Helen had littered with flower 
petals, went in grim silence from the room. 

Miss Brower’s tear stains had been carefully washed 
away, and her curls put back into their proper becom- 
ing fashion. Her face, with its smiles and its blushes 
and its expression of arch surprise and delight, looked 
to Thurston, as she came gracefully into the room, the 
prettiest sight he had ever seen. Hor did he attempt to 
conceal his admiration; it flashed out in the glow of 

7 


8 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


pleasure which suffused his own face and in the eager 
and yet half deferential way in which he rose, and 
extended both hands to greet her. 

I did not expect you until — until to-night,’’ she 
said, with a pretty assumption of bashfulness, and an 
attempt to withdraw the little white hands which were 
held so firmly. 

IN’or did I expect myself to have the pleasure of 
so early a visit ; but Mr. Robinson gave me a couple of 
hours this morning in return for my detention last 
evening, and I came over to talk a little further about 
this matter of your going away.” 

She gave her head an impatient toss. “ One would 
think I was going to !New Zealand, or South Africa, or 
I don’t know where, the way you and Barbara Balk go 
on about my going. I declare it is too bad. Here’s 
Barbara making my life perfectly miserable, and now 
you ” 

She stopped suddenly, and let her tears have their 
way sufficiently to make her eyes and long, dark, ex- 
quisite eyelashes glisten; but there she stopped them, 
for if allowed to brim over they would probably make 
her nose red and spoil her interesting appearance. 

Her lover became grave and concerned; emotion in 
Helen, and that emotion caused by himself, was like 
a dagger stab to him. 

It is not possible,” he said, that woman has dared 
to question or reprove any of your plans, or ” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


9 


It is possible/’ she interrupted. Indeed, there 
are times when she makes me wish I was lying with 
papa.” 

^low was an appropriate time for her tears to flow, 
even if they did make her pretty nose a little red; 
accordingly, she let a very few drops trickle affectingly 
down her cheeks. 

The young fellow became desperate. Helen,” he 
said, that promise made to your dying father was not 
meant to bind you after your marriage. Marry me 
now, before you go away, and Miss Balk — well, I 
understand that she has sufiicient means to provide 
another home for herself.” 

Marry you, and papa dead only three months ! 
Surely, Gerald, you cannot mean that ? A year, at 
least, I must have; I could not put off my mourning 
sooner.” 

A strange feeling passed over the young fellow at \ 
her last words. Was his idol not all he painted her? 
Was this beautiful exterior, this gracious gentleness 
which made her so charming, only gilding after all? 
He released her hands and looked anxiously down 
at her. Hever was there a more perfect picture of 
womanly beauty and modesty than she at that moment 
presented. The timid, downcast air she had assumed, 
the tears still upon her cheeks, the heaving of her 
breast as if from inward sobs, all combined to exert 
an influence which honest Gerald Thurston could no 


10 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


more resist than he could stem the tide of a madly 
rushing river. 

A year then, Helen,” he said, taking her hands 
again. But only a year, and for half that time, at 
least, you will be free from Barbara Balk. You told 
me the other night she was not going with you.” 

“Ho; she will board with Mrs. Burchill.” 

“ With Mrs. Burchill ! There will be the devil to 
pay! Beg your pardon, Helen, but I was surprised 
into the profanity. What, in the name of all that^s 
wicked, put it into her head to go there ? ” 

“ I donT know, unless it is because you are there.” 

“ I ! Why, she hates me as his Satanic majesty is 
said to hate the sight of a cowl.” 

“ Well, it’s owing to some perversity of hers,” said 
Helen a little impatiently, as if she was desirous of 
changing the subject; “though,” she continued, “I 
shall be rid of her for six months and you, Gerald, will 
have her.” 

“ Yes, with a vengeance. I wonder if Mrs. Burchill 
will have the bad taste to place her opposite me at table ? 
I don’t believe I could stand those eyes of hers ; they’d 
have me riddled in less than half the time you are to 
be away.” 

“ I thought you came over to talk about my journey ? 
Here is a half hour gone, and you have not begun to 
discuss it yet.” 

She spoke in a light, playful tone, but even her lover 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


11 


detected the impatience and dissatisfaction for the con- 
cealment of which that tone had been assumed. 

Yes/’ he said gravely. I want to have my mind 
quite clear on every matter connected with you ; you 
yourself have given me this right to a knowledge of all 
your actions, have you not ? ” And he touched for an 
instant the ring which sparkled on her finger. 

Yes,” she answered, archly ; to a knowledge, but 
not to a control of my actions yet.” 

Without seeming to notice her reply, he resumed, — 
This family in New York, whom you are going to 
visit — comprising, I think you told me, the father, 
mother, and two daughters — are they wealthy ? ” 

Very. Magnificent house, their own carriage, 
yearly trip to Europe, and all that,” manifesting an 
enthusiasm in her description which struck a sort of 
chill to her lover. 

How is it these people having such ample means of 
entertaining you ” — there was an almost imperceptible 
sarcasm in his tones; but, faint as it was, it somewhat 
disconcerted Helen, and dashed for a moment the glow 
with which she would have given further details — 
have never tendered an invitation to you before ? ” 
They have. I thought I told you some time ago.” 
Her eyes distended in astonishment at his ignorance of 
what, to do her justice, she really supposed he had 
known, and she continued, eagerly, Why, Mr. Tillot- 
son was the best friend papa ever had; they were at 


12 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


college together, and when papa became so reduced that 
he had to come here from Boston and live, right after 
the death of mj mamma when I was a very little girl, 
Mr. Tillotson offered to place papa in business again, 
and to send me away to school with his own daughters ; 
but papa was so spirited and proud he would not accept 
either offer ; he preferred to live here in this plain way, 

. and to educate me himself. The only thing that he 
regretted was that he couldn^t send me abroad for my 
music, but even that he himself taught me very well; 
at least you, who have heard fine musicians, do not 
find fault with my execution.’’ 

^^ISTo; it pleases me,” he answered, with a preoccu- 
pied air, and then he turned away and seemed to be 
looking very intently at the fragrant little garden lying 
almost on a level with the low open windows. 

Why don’t you continue your catechism ? ” she 
asked, after waiting a moment, and watching him with 
a puzzled air. 

He turned to her quickly. 

All that you have told me is but a detail of Mr. 
Tillotson’s kindness to your father ; there is no account 
of any courtesy to you from the ladies of the family.” 

Oh ! ” — with a little affected start, but the affecta- 
tion was not suspected by the honest fellow awaiting her 
reply — I have forgotten. Invitations from the whole 
family to me came frequently whenever they were home 
from Europe; but papa’s health would not suffer him 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


13 


to accompany me, and lie would not permit me to go 
without him. This last invitation, which I have ac- 
cepted, was sent immediately that they heard of papa’s 
death, for, owing to their protracted stay in Europe, 
they did not hear of it until a fortnight ago. They 
are also the more urgent for my acceptance of this 
invitation, as both daughters are to be married in a 
couple of months, and I am, in some measure, to take 
their place for some time after their departure. I 
suppose if there was a son in the family you would like 
to forbid my going,” she continued saucily. 

I should like to forbid it now,” he said, very 
gravely, and placing his hand on her arm. 

She flung it off. 

I declare you are too bad, Gerald ; you forget that 
I have never been to New York, and that I have no 

society here, and that — and that ” 

Failing to And another cause of reproach, she was 
obliged to leave her sentence in its ambiguous, unfin- 
ished form, but he completed it: 

And that you are pretty, and would like to have 
New York admirers. Yes, I know it all, Helen; and 
I suppose I ought to remember that you are a woman, 
and a very young woman at that, and I ought not to 
be too hard upon you — nor shall I; but listen to me, 
and bear with me if I speak very seriously.” 

He took her hands again, and tried to look down into 
her eyes, but he could only see the white lids fringed 


14 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


bj their long, dark lashes, for she kept her eyes down. 

Mr. Kobinson seems to be much pleased with me, 
and he hints at giving me a more responsible position 
than the one I now hold. He is hard and close with 
his employees, you know, and it requires peculiar man- 
agement to suit him ; but I have succeeded so far, and 
I have no doubt of continuing to do so, so long as I 
pursue a strictly honest and straightforward course. 
Then there is something else — a great hope which may 
be fulfilled ; and if it should be, you as my wife shall 
be as rich as these Tillotsons are. 

What do you mean ? ” 

He had no difficulty now in looking down into her 
eyes; they were lifted to his, bright with curiosity and 
expectation. Again he experienced that unpleasant 
feeling which had assailed him in the earlier part of 
the interview, a feeling akin to distrust of his beautiful 
betrothed, and again, as on that previous occasion, a 
longer look at the exquisite face disarmed him. He 
proceeded : 

I cannot tell you, nor must you seek to know, for 
it may be only a false hope after all. I can hardly tell 
why I spoke of it to you at this time unless I thought 
it might moderate your eagerness to go away just now. 
Helen ” — his tones changed, becoming quick and some- 
what impassioned — if you knew what I have suffered 
in my past life from the want of affection, you would 
hardly blame me for my apparently strange and un- 



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V. 




REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


15 


reasonable fears now. I have given my whole heart 
to you, and if you should prove false — God! if you 
should prove false 1 ” 

As if in his imagination he were realizing that of 
which he spoke, he flung her hands from him and 
began to pace the room. Helen, surprised and alarmed, 
watched him. But his paroxysm of jealousy or dis- 
trust, or whatever it might have been, passed and he 
turned to her penitent and even a little humbled. 

“Forgive me. I have frightened you; but when 
you know my past, as you shall know it one day, you 
will understand and pity me. There, look up, bonny 
love, and tell me when you shall start. I am to drive 
you to Boston, you know, and to see you safely on board 
the train; and you are to write every week; and you 
are to be very careful about those Hew York admirers 
in order not to make me jealous; and you are to be 
very anxious about Miss Balk and myself as to how we 
shall get on in the same house together, and ” 

“ Stop ! you are stunning me with this nonsense,” 
and one little white hand was placed over his mouth. 
She was pacified and happy, and he — he was neither, 
but she did not know that. 


CHAPTEK III. 


Gekald Thurston drove his betrothed to Boston, 
and during the long drive in the early summer morning 
he was more in love with her than ever. The fresh, 
balmy air, the beauty of the surrounding country, the 
bright anticipations which filled her mind, the con- 
sciousness of her beauty, which she felt was never more 
perfect, all added to give a flow of spirits that was 
irresistibly bewitching to her companion. He could 
only look and listen and secretly chide himself for 
being so silent, but he pretended to be anxious about 
the horse, which was really a spirited young animal and 
one not altogether to be trusted, and she was too self- 
ishly absorbed in her own delight to care particularly 
about the reception of her mirthful remarks. 

There was quite a concourse of people at the depot, 
for the season of summer travel had set in, and Helen’s 
bright eyes, always critically observant, rested in turn 
on each of the strangers while she waited for Gerald 
to get her ticket. There were some evidently country 
folk, and she became interested in contrasting them 
with the city people. Helen was an aristocrat by birth 
and education 5 one motion which denoted culture won 
16 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


17 


her regard quicker than the costliest attire, if such were 
unaccompanied by the evidence of good breeding, and 
now as she saw Gerald returning to her she watched 
to see how his bearing compared with those about him. 
It was all that even she could desire, and it was with 
a glow of pride that she saw more than one stranger 
turn to look again at the tall, athletic, gentlemanly 
young fellow, whose plain clothes — and they were very 
plain, she acknowledged to herself — sat upon him with 
as neat and becoming a grace as the more elegant and 
stylish apparel of the city men about him. She won- 
dered, as she had wondered a hundred times before, 
whence Gerald had come or where he had been edu- 
cated to give him the superior and cultured air which 
always characterized him; but she was as little able 
to answer her question now as she had been on previous 
occasions. 

All that she knew of Gerald Thurston was that, five 
years before, he had come to the village of Eastbury 
with a letter of introduction to Mr. Kobinson, the 
wealthy proprietor of a large factory; he was at that 
time about twenty-one years of age, and by his gentle- 
manly deportment, his good judgment in the business 
with which Mr. Eobinson intrusted him, the superior 
education he seemed to possess, he won the respect, 
confidence, and in some instances the warm friendship 
of all the residents of the village. Accident had en- 
abled him to render some service to Helenas father, and 
2 


18 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


he, captivated by the young man’s simple, manly bear- 
ing, took him at once to his heart, not only urging upon 
him the frequent hospitality of his home, but seeming 
to design an attachment between him and his daughter. 
From such an attachment the young stranger shrank, 
but won by a beauty the most exquisite he had ever seen 
in woman, and manners which appeared to be those of 
an angel, he was fatally caught at last. For Helen it 
had been easy to favor her father’s design; the high- 
bred air of the stranger, his perfect gentlemanliness, 
his magnificent physique, were sufficient passport to 
her heart, even if they had not been supported by the 
fact that, owing to her seclusion, he was her first suitor. 

She was aware, however, that her father knew the 
young man’s antecedents, for on one occasion Mr. 
Brower had said to her: 

I know everything about Gerald now ; he has told 
me himself voluntarily, and while there are strange, 
and even unpleasant, circumstances connected with his 
past life, they are circumstances which place his char- 
acter in a most creditable light I am quite satisfied 
with him, and I agree with him in thinking it is best 
to say nothing of these things to you at present, my 
dear; there is really no necessity. I am satisfied, and 
that is enough.” 

Something of all this was recurring to Helen’s mind 
as she watched her lover’s advance, but the whistle of 
the approaching train was heard, and the people about 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


19 


her began to exchange their adieus. Gerald escorted 
her on board, to be sure that her seat was comfortable, 
and to thrust into her hand a pretty little basket of 
fruit and a paper. By so doing he narrowly escaped 
being forced to accompany her; as it was, he had to 
make a huge spring, and then he stood by the side of 
the track, and watched her bright face looking out at 
him from the window until it became a dim speck. 
Could he have known, could he have foreseen their 
next place of meeting, he would have wished that it 
was his dead and mangled body which looked up to her 
from the side of the railroad track. 


CHAPTEK IV. 


Mrs. Burc hill’s was the chef-d’oeuvre of a little 
boarding-house. Pretty, tasteful, embowered amid 
trees, its clean, white-painted exterior attracted even 
the notice of strangers; within everything was in har- 
mony, — from good, practical, warm-hearted Mrs. Bur- 
chill, her cheery, old-fashioned, good-natured father- 
in-law, and her graceful, lady-like daughter, down to 
the large, healthy, willing servant girl. Her boarders 
were few, owing to the limited accommodation of her 
house, and her own much to be commended but un- 
usually rare anxiety about each one’s especial comfort. 
Thus, when Miss Balk called and stated her desire to 
make one of Mrs. Burchill’s household, she was met 
with a little doubtful shake of the head from the good 
lady herself. 

I don’t know how I could manage it, ma’am. 
There’s Mr. Thurston, he has the best bedroom: I 
wouldn’t disturb him on no account ; and there’s father, 

I wouldn’t put him out of his room, — and ” 

I do not wish you to put any one out of his room,” 
said Miss Balk, bridling with anger, though her words 
were uttered in her usual slow manner. I only want 
20 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


21 


you to say at once wlietlier you can accommodate me 
for the six months of Miss Brower’s absence.” 

Large in form and practical in mind as Mrs. Burchill 
was, it must be acknowledged that she was somewhat 
afraid of this grim woman, whose severe face and 
stringent tongue had caused fear on previous occasions 
to more than one village dame; then, also, she felt in 
secret not a little honored by this choice of her house 
rather than a more stylish and wealthy one, for Miss 
Balk was said to have ample means, while, in addition, 
to he visited from the Brower household was an honor 
in itself; the Browers lived in such strict seclusion, 
and held themselves, even in their comparative poverty, 
so much above their neighbors. 

Well, ma’am. I’ll be able to manage it if my 
daughter is willing to give up her room to you ; she can 
share mine. She’ll be home from school directly, if 
you don’t mind waiting,” and the best chair in the little 
parlor was drawn forward, and Miss Balk bidden to 
seat herself. 

At that instant a young girl was entering the house. 
Mrs. Burchill’s quick ear caught the sound and, step- 
ping into the passage-way, she called, pleasantly : 

Mildred ! ” 

To which was responded a pleasantly spoken: 

Yes, mother ; I am coming.” 

In another moment Miss Balk found herself intro- 
duced to a tall, graceful girl whose clear, frank gray 


22 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


eyes met Miss Balk’s bold, piercing gaze more un- 
dauntedly than most people did. The young girl — 
she seemed scarcely sixteen, though unusually tall for 
her years — looked grave when her mother stated the 
business for which she had summoned her, and she 
hesitated as if holding some mental debate. 

Her mother watched her anxiously, for, to tell the 
truth, because of the reasons before given she was 
anxious to oblige Miss Balk. 

Would it be a great accommodation to you. Miss 
Balk ? ” and the clear eyes seemed to go through the 
cold, hard, indented face. 

Barbara, who was already standing, drew herself 
up very stiffly. 

I do not wish to be considered as begging for board 
here; I am not restricted to Mrs. Burch ill’s house, I 
am sure.” 

And the scant, black, brocaded mantle was gathered 
more closely round her arms in preparation for de- 
parture. 

Oh, don’t take it in that light, ma’am,” interposed 
Mrs. Burchill, in some affright. Mildred meant 
nothing by what she said, and I am sure she’ll be 
willing to give up her room ; it will only be for a few 
months. Won’t you, dear ? ” 

“ If you wish me to do so, mother, yes ; but Miss 
Balk has not seen my room; perhaps it will not suit 
her.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


23 


It was evident that there was a wish in the heart of 
the girl that it would not suit. 

Her wish was not gratified, however ; the room suited, 
and would have done so had it been much less than the 
fair-sized, very neatly furnished apartment that it 
was, for Miss Balk had her private reasons, despite her 
assumption of independence, for desiring to board with 
Mrs. Burchill. 

To Gerald Thurston^s disgust, he found his predic- 
tion of Mrs. BurchilPs had taste fulfilled. Miss Balk’s 
angular form, arrayed in skimp black silk, directly 
confronted him at the table, and her hold black eyes 
riddled his face, as he had expressed it. 

His salutation of her was perfectly courteous, but 
extremely brief, and he bent immediately to his plate. 

On Miss Balk’s right hand sat Mrs. Burchill’s old, 
cheery little father-in-law. His cheeks were as plump 
and rosy as the soft and bright-hued peach that lay 
upon her plate, and his small blue eyes twinkled as 
brightly as they might have done twenty years before. 
His whole neat, clean appearance bespoke the affection- 
ate care of his daughter-in-law’s hand, and his good- 
humored countenance was a pleasant contrast to the 
straight, stiff, masculine-looking woman at his side. 
With his old-country notions of politeness, he thought 
it incumbent upon him to devote himself to this new 
boarder at his daughter’s table, and Miss Balk found 
herself the recipient of attentions which, well meant 


24 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


though they were, were so ludicrous that Mildred, on 
the opposite side of the table, became almost convulsed 
from suppressed laughter; even Thurston had to look 
up, the little old gentleman^s speeches were so irresist- 
ibly funny. 

Oh, ma’am, if you were in the old country your 
appetite would get a wonderful recruiting. You’re not 
eating a hit. Ain’t I watching you ? ” as Barbara 
uttered a dignified disclaimer against receiving any 
more upon her plate. And you’d grow more lissome 
if you were there ; you wouldn’t be so stiff in the back — 
you’d ” 

There was an explosive sound from the other side of 
the table. Mildred seemed to he making violent efforts 
to suppress a fit of coughing : in reality, it was laughter. 
Her sense of the ridiculous was so keen that it fre- 
quently exceeded her control, and she was obliged to 
turn her head quite aside and bury her face in her 
handkerchief. The humorous muscles of Thurston’s 
countenance also twitched violently, and the more so 
that the poor little old man, unconscious of having said 
anything to provoke mirth, and unsuspicious that it was 
laughter and not coughing had been the cause of the 
interruption, was again devoting himself to Miss Balk. 
She, however, sharper than her companion at table, 
divined perfectly the cause of the pretended coughing 
and the reason of the amused look on Gerald’s face, and 
she inwardly fumed with indignation. Drawing her- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


25 


self up with such rigidity that it might well justify the 
poor old gentleman^s opinion of the stiffness of her 
back, she dashed her plate from her and turned upon 
him the most terrible look of her baneful eyes. Her 
anger was quite lost upon him, however; he was too 
well contented with himself and with the rest of the 
world, and he had too good-natured a disposition to 
take rebuffs while there was the shadow of an excuse 
for declining to accept the same; so he simply put her 
plate a little further away than her impatient hand had 
already dashed it and said, while he helped himself 
from the steaming dish of fried potatoes: 

“ There^s no use in life, ma’am, in being so YeJie- 
ment,” with an emphasis that was laughable on the 
middle syllable of the last word ; a little coolness in 
everything is better, and if there’s one charge ” 

But Miss Balk did not wait to hear the charge; she 
hastened out to the front piazza to cool her indignation 
and to debate with herself whether she should remain 
in a house where she was likely, through that stupid 
old man, to become an object of ridicule. 

The stupid old man, finding the stiff lady gone, was 
about to address the rest of his remarks to his now 
openly laughing granddaughter and the broadly smiling 
Thurston, when a sudden comprehension of the real 
state of affairs entered his mind. 

I wasn’t the cause of sending her from the table, 
was I ? ” he asked, with his fork half-way to his mouth, 


26 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and his ruddy face a most amusing picture of alarm. 

I’ll go this minute and ask her pardon.” 

Don’t,” said his granddaughter, now giving way 
unrestrainedly to her mirth, but at the same time start- 
ing up to prevent such a catastrophe as she feared the 
threatened apology might cause ; she felt that it surely 
would not quell the flame of Miss Balk’s wrath. 

At that instant Mrs. Burchill entered from the 
kitchen, where her duties generally detained her long 
after the commencement of each meal, and she saw 
from the embarrassed and affrighted air of her father- 
in-law and the merriment of her daughter that some- 
thing unusual had occurred. The old gentleman gave 
his account, a truthful one, but one so amusing from 
his manner of telling it that even Thurston’s hearty 
laugh rang out. 

The good woman was quite distressed; she feared 
that Miss Balk had been seriously offended, and in her 
perplexity she was about to go out herself to Barbara, 
and in her simple fashion endeavor to apologize; but 
Mildred had crossed to her and was now standing with 
her hand on her mother’s arm. 

Mother,” she said in a voice so peculiarly quiet 
and Arm that it attracted Thurston’s attention, it is 
not your place to offer any apology to this woman ; she 
came to us of her own accord, and if she is too obtuse 
or too narrow-hearted to see that poor grandfather’s 
attentions are kindly meant, why we must leave her to 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


27 


the unhappiness of her own ill humor. Don’t look so 
distressed, grandfather ; you did nothing wrong, and it 
were a shame to subject you to a moment’s anxiety on 
account of this person.” 

God bless you, Milly ! ” That was the old man’s 
fond diminutive for his granddaughter; and he took 
one of her hands and stroked it fondly. Mrs. Burchill, 
convinced of the truth of her daughter’s words, a con- 
viction to which she was much helped by her own strong 
affection for her father-in-law, said, quietly: 

I believe you are right, my child ; but I’ll change 
her seat at the table.” 

Gerald Thurston had not withdrawn his eyes from 
Mildred. His gaze followed her even when she re- 
turned to her unfinished breakfast. One reason of his 
marked attention at this time was that he never had 
heard Miss Burchill speak at such length and in such 
a manner before. Though for two years a boarder in 
her mother’s house, owing to his business cares and his 
beautiful betrothed, which left him little time out of 
the factory, his own room, or Miss Brower’s parlor, he 
had never seen more of Miss Burchill than to meet her 
at table, where she never spoke unless directly addressed, 
or to pass her in the village street, when she returned 
his graceful bow by a modest and brief salutation. 
Indeed, when he came to Mrs. Burchill’s she seemed a 
mere child, a little school-girl, whom, if he should 
notice at all, it would be in a fatherly manner; but the 


28 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


little school-girl had been as coy of appearing in his 
presence save when occasion demanded as was now the 
tall and graceful maiden she had so rapidly become. 
It was her firmness of tone which had most attracted 
his attention, and now as he looked at her without fear 
of being perceived — she was directing all her attention 
to her plate — he was surprised to find himself mentally 
delineating from her features — from the poise of her 
stately head — from his remembrance of her voice, of 
her kindly speech to her grandfather, a character so 
firm and frank and generous that it excited his admira- 
tion. He smiled as he caught himself in his task, and 
thought when, having finished his breakfast, he left the 
table, What would Helen say if she knew to what 
my morning cogitations have been tending ? ” 

And then he smiled again as he felt how little cause 
for fear Helen would have, even if she did know, for 
never was heart more firmly caught in beauty^s toils 
than that of poor, doomed Gerald Thurston. 


CHAPTEK V. 


A MOST stylish equipage was in waiting at the depot 
for Miss Brower, and her trepidation when, having 
descended from the train she knew not which direction 
to pursue, was quickly allayed by the appearance of a 
servant in livery, who seemed to single her out by 
intuition. Ascertaining that she was Miss Brower, he 
informed her that Mr. Tillotson’s carriage was in 
waiting. 

She entered it, and adjusted herself to the soft white 
cushions with a delightful sense of rest. This luxury 
seemed to her to he her right; she remembered when a 
very little girl riding with her father through the streets 
of Boston in just such a handsome turnout, and she put 
up a little grateful sigh that she was about to be per- 
mitted, for a brief time at least, the enjoyment of those 
things which her heart so craved. 

The carriage bowled along the handsomest of the city 
streets, and Helen was in an ecstasy of admiration ; she 
thought of the little village of Eastbury, which she had 
left as a prison from which she had been released, and 
not even the remembrance of the true, faithful heart 
29 


30 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


there waiting for her had power to brighten the gloomy 
colors with which her imagination painted the obscure 
!N^ew England village. 

The house before which the carriage stopped sur- 
prised her a little by its size and somewhat old- 
fashioned exterior ; evidently it had not youth of which 
to boast, but it had a commodiousness and elegance 
of structure quite wanting in some of its newer neigh- 
bors. Within there reigned also an old-fashioned but 
substantial magnificence; indeed, a stranger would be 
refreshingly impressed by the sense of comfort rather 
than style that everywhere met one. Modern appoint- 
ments where they did not secure ease were quite ignored, 
while old-fashioned furniture, and an old-fashioned ar- 
rangement of the same where such conduced to comfort, 
were in prominent use. 

With her natural innate refinement, Helen under- 
stood and appreciated the delicacy that had her shown 
immediately to her room with a request that she should 
rest after her journey before meeting the family. 
There was a maid, however, in attendance, and a very 
tempting repast was brought to her, but she was too 
delightfully excited to partake of the delicacies, or to 
sleep when, having removed her traveling dress, she 
threw herself upon the bed; still she closed her eyes 
and tried to rest, for she knew how indispensable is 
repose to keep wrinkles away from the face. 

She had shaken out her clustering curls, and now, as 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


31 


she threw her arms up and crossed them over her head, 
her engagement ring came into sharp contact with her 
temple. With an impatient exclamation she flung her 
arms down and sat up in the bed. The maid, suppos- 
ing the young lady would sleep, had left the room. 
She twisted the gemmed circlet about her finger, pulled 
it half way off, then thrust it back, again twisted it 
about her finger, and finally drew it off. 

They might not be so interested in me,” she said 
to herself, if they thought I was already engaged to 
be married, and it wonT hurt Gerald to leave off his 
ring a little while ; hefil never know, of course, that I 
did such a thing.” 

She arose, slipped the ring into her pocketbook, and 
returned to bed, where, after a little while, the fatigue 
of the journey did produce a light slumber. 

She was awakened by the maid, who came to tell her 
that the family were anxious to welcome her if she was 
sufficiently rested. 

The whole family were assembled to receive her ; but 
Mr. Tillotson, whom she remembered, having seen him 
frequently when a child, met her on the very threshold 
of the parlor and folded her in his arms with an 
embrace so like that which her own father had been 
wont to give, that the tears sprang to her eyes. He 
half carried, half led her, forward to his wife and 
daughters ; by them she was received with equal warmth 
and in ^ few moments Miss Brower was as much at 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


32 

home as if she were in the poor little faded parlor in 
Eastbury. 

Mrs. Tillotson and her daughters were equally hand- 
some women — women to whom the wealth and culture 
of preceding generations had given a truly noble air. 

The daughters were some three or four years older 
than Helen, and with a delightful assumption of senior- 
ity they at once began to treat her as if she were a much 
younger and a very much petted sister. They were 
charmed by her beauty, and by those sweet and gentle 
manners which none knew how to assume with more 
bewitching effect than the little New England lady. 
Mrs. Tillotson also, a true matron, and one whose large 
heart went charitably forth to every one, was irresistibly 
attracted to this interesting orphan in her mourning 
attire. 

So Helen found herself at once the petted guest of a 
delightful home circle, and at dinner, at which there 
was only one stranger present — a distinguished looking 
middle-aged gentleman who had been introduced to her 
as Mr. Phillips — her vivacious spirits, skillfully tem- 
pered, however, by her wonted assumption of modesty, 
won more and more the warm regard of the family; 
even the fine eyes of Mr. Phillips turned frequently 
to her with undisguised admiration, and Helen’s vanity 
was abundantly fed by such flattering notice. 

The blushes caused by her own vain consciousness 
had not ceased to burn upon her cheeks when the ladies 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


33 


returned to the parlor, leaving the gentlemen to their 
coffee and cigars; and Mary Tillotson, the elder of the 
sisters, clasping Helen’s sylph-like waist, said, warmly : 

I feel as if we had lost much in not knowing you 
before. Papa often spoke of you and as often regret- 
ted that circumstances which he could not control pro- 
vented your visiting us; now, however, we must make 
up for lost time by endeavoring to win your affection 
as rapidly as you are winning ours. Must we not, 
Annette ? ” addressing her sister, who, accompanied by 
Mrs. Tillotson, was advancing to them. 

Annette, for answer, kissed Helen’s cheek, and Miss 
Tillotson continued: 

On account of your mourning, we must forego the 
pleasure of your company to large assemblies, hut apart 
from that there will be much to amuse and interest you. 
You know that Annette and I are to be married on the 
same day, just two months from to-morrow; but the 
weddings are to he very quiet; we are all so averse to 
much display; and directly after we are going West 
for a few weeks. When we return we shall form our 
plans for the future ; by that time, however, you shall 
have some opportunity to know and, I trust, to love us.” 

The parlor door at that moment opened, and Mr. 
Tillotson, accompanied by Mr. Phillips, entered. What 
was there about Mr. Phillips, especially about his 
straight, dignified and graceful carriage, which seemed 
so strangely familiar to Helen ? The same inexplicable 
3 


34 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


familiarity had impressed her on his introduction to 
her, but in a less degree, and she was puzzled and 
annoyed by her efforts to explain it to herself. Mr. 
Phillips, however, was approaching for the purpose of 
speaking to her, and as Mr. Morgan and Mr. Scotfeld, 
the two suitors of the Misses Tillotson, were announced, 
Helen was left for a few moments to the respectful 
attentions of Mr. Phillips. 

Hothing could he more flattering than the manner 
with which he addressed her, the graceful adroitness 
with which he drew out her conversational ability, and 
the skill with which he himself conversed. She was 
flattered, charmed, and sorry when they were inter- 
rupted for the purpose of introducing her to the two 
young men. 

The hours of that evening went far too rapidly for 
the fair guest, and it was with a head dizzy with grati- 
fied vanity that she entered her room to retire. 

She would not dismiss the maid at once, as she wanted 
to do and might have done without any detriment to 
her night toilet — having been obliged to wait upon 
herself since her father^s reverse in fortune — lest the 
woman might infer that she was not accustomed to such 
attendance. So she patiently bore the tedium of Jen- 
nie’s ministrations and was busy with her own whirling 
thoughts the while. 

When at length she was alone she said to herself : 

I promised Gerald to write to him the very first 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


35 


night of my stay here, and I suppose I must keep my 
word, for there is nothing he detests like broken prom- 
ises and untruths. Thank heaven, I havenT to write 
to Barbara ; she gave me a week.” 

She went to her trunk and took out the little travel- 
ing case well supplied with writing materials — Gerald’s 
gift to her before her departure — and dashed off a few 
hurried lines in which she made much of her fatigue, 
a great deal of the kindness of the Tillotsons, but not 
one word of Mr. Phillips. It ended with — 

Your own Helen.” 

Then Miss Brower went to bed, and almost instantly 
to sleep. 


CHAPTER YI. 


Miss Balk had determined to remain with Mrs. 
Burchill, some secret reason of her own overmastering 
her fear of being made an object of ridicule through 
the little, odd, old man; and Mrs. Burchill having 
changed Barbara’s seat at table to one quite removed 
from the old gentleman, that lady seemed pacified. 

Poor old Burchill, knowing that the change was 
owing to him, felt constrained and as if he were placed 
on his very best behavior, in consequence of which he 
strove to maintain a dignity in the presence of Miss 
Balk, that was almost as ludicrous as had been his 
former unfortunate attempt at politeness. Frequently 
a smile curved the lips of Mildred, and a look of 
mirthful appreciation shone in her eyes as she watched 
the strange pair, and frequently Thurston was com- 
pelled to hide under an absorbing attention to his plate 
his disposition to laugh outright. 

On the third evening of Miss Balk’s sojourn in the 
house Gerald found a letter by his plate when he came 
into supper. Barbara watched him as he seized it and 
seemed to read eagerly the superscription. Without, 
opening it he put it into his breast, but his face 
brightened. 


36 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


37 


May I ask if that letter is from 'New York ? ’’ 

To GeralTs surprise it was Barbara’s deep, unfemi- 
nine voice addressing him from the end of the table. 

By the post-mark, I think it is.” And he bent to 
his plate as if he were voraciously hungry. 

May I ask that, if it is from New York, you will 
tell me how Miss Brower is and what she says about 
me f ” 

It was Barbara’s voice again, and Barbara’s black 
eyes were turned in an awful look on Gerald’s face. 

There was another who was looking at Gerald — 
Mildred, who had lifted her head suddenly at the sound 
of Miss Brower’s name, and whose clear, gray eyes 
looked as if they would pierce him through. But no 
one saw the look, for it only lasted an instant. 

Thurston’s brow clouded. If the letter should be 
from Miss Brower, and if it should contain any mes- 
sage for you, you shall certainly receive such; hut I 
presume whatever Miss Brower has to say to you will 
be conveyed in a letter to yourself.” 

^lot necessarily,” said Barbara, dryly. “ When 
people are lovers, it’s irksome to write to a third party.” 

“ Confound the woman ! Does she mean to parade 
our affairs before these people ? ” thought Gerald. But 
he restrained the somewhat angry retort which rose to 
his lips, and continued his supper. 

In his room he tore open the letter and read with 
a pang of disappointment its meagre contents ; they 


38 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


seemed so cold to one of his impassioned temperament, 
and despite the excuse which he sought to make for 
them by believing all that Helen said of her fatigue, 
there was a strange, anxious tugging at his heart-strings. 

Miss Balk was waiting for him when he descended — 
waiting in the very passage through which he must go 
to leave the house. He could not help starting when 
he saw her, and she smiled scornfully when she per- 
ceived the start. 

Miss Brower has said nothing about you, Miss 
Balk,’’ said Gerald quickly, and attempting to pass her 
as he spoke. She placed herself before him. 

Think again, Mr. Thurston ; has she not even de- 
sired to be remembered to her dear Barbara 9 ” The 
painful slowness of her speech and the sarcasm in the 
latter part of it, set Gerald’s teeth on edge. 

I fear, madam,” he said, more sharply than he 
had ever spoken to a woman in his life, if I remain 
longer in your presence I shall forget the courtesy 
which is due to your sex. I have already told you that 
Miss Brower made no mention of you.” 

He made another attempt to pass her and she, without 
moving aside, simply gathered her skimp dress up so 
that he might squeeze through if he wished, and she 
gave him such a look as he went that Gerald was willing 
to aver it produced nightmare when he went to bed. 

He said to himself, as he hurried down the street: 

By J ove ! what a devil she is ! I don’t wonder that 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


39 


poor little Helenas life was miserable. What on earth 
could induce Mr. Brower to have such a woman about 
his daughter? But, Providence willing, when Helen 
and I are married, Barbara Balk shall never set foot 
across our threshold.’^ 

His soliloquy was suddenly ended at the corner of 
the street, by almost knocking against Mildred and her 
grandfather. Gerald had been walking rapidly, and 
he had turned the corner so quickly as to be almost 
unable to stop a collision between himself and the pair 
who arm-in-arm were also about turning the corner. 
The three laughed at the awkward contretemps^ but 
the little old grandfather^s mirth rang out loudest and 
longest. 

Oh, Mr. Thurston,^^ said he, if I didnT know 
your courage so well IM say you were running away 
from the old maid beyond at the house.” 

Gerald laughed more heartily than before, for the 
funny old man had so exactly hit the truth. 

But Mildred, though laughing and brightly blushing 
at the same time, said gently: 

Ah, grandfather, we must not say ill of people 
behind their backs ; and perhaps poor Miss Balk, if we 
knew her better, would have more to claim our com- 
passion than to excite our mirth.” 

The candor and sincerity of her tones, her charming 
simplicity of manner, attracted the young man as he 
had been attracted a couple of mornings before when 


40 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


he heard her speak, and he looked at her very earnestly 
for a moment. Their eyes met; she withdrew hers, 
blushing more than she had yet done, and he turned 
away with a strange, indescribable feeling in his heart ; 
a vague fear that Helenas character was wanting in the 
candor and simplicity which seemed to distinguish this 
young girl. 

Grandfather Burchill was saying: 

God bless you, Milly ! it’s the kind word you have 
for every one ; and perhaps you’re right about this queer 
creature. Maybe it’s trouble that makes her so odd. 
Good-morning, Mr. Thurston,” as Gerald was raising 
his hat in adieu. 

Mildred was unusually silent during the remainder 
of the homeward walk; but her grandfather, owing to 
his unusual cogitations, did not seem to notice it, and 
when they arrived at the house Miss Balk was standing 
in her erect, rigid way on the piazza. 

Miss Burchill had conceived a violent aversion for 
her mother’s new boarder, which, do what she could to 
subdue, only increased with every sight of the spare, 
masculine-looking form, and now to avoid a direct 
meeting with Miss Balk, she made some excuse to her 
grandfather and went through the little garden to the 
rear entrance of the house. 

The old man stood in the path where Mildred had 
left him, looking as if he were engaged in some very 
earnest mental debate — a debate that seemed to concern 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


41 


the rigid figure on the piazza, for he frequently looked 
in that direction. At length, as if he had made his 
decision, and one quite to his satisfaction, he began 
pulling the fiowers here and there, wherever the bright- 
est colors or the largest size attracted him, until he had 
a very large bouquet, and with this proudly held before 
him he sought Miss Balk. 

Ma’am, I hope you’ll accept it as a peace offering.” 

He looked so ridiculous, little and round and chubby 
as he was, and so far below Barbara, owing to his own 
diminutive size and her attitude above him, that even 
Mrs. Burchill, who saw them from the window of the 
dining-room, could not help laughing. Mildred, at that 
instant joining her mother, saw also, and while she too 
laughed, she watched with somewhat anxious curiosity 
the effect of her grandfather’s action. For a moment 
it seemed as if Miss Balk would dash away the prof- 
fered gift, her forehead gathered into such an ominous 
scowl; but perhaps something in the childlike simplic- 
ity of the old man touched her, for after a hasty glance 
as if to assure herself that she was not observed, she took 
the fiowers and with a curt Thank you ! ” turned into 
the house. 

The next morning at breakfast there was the same 
style and size of a bouquet beside Miss Balk’s plate, 
and that lady slightly flushed when she saw it, but she 
did not push it away ; neither did she look across to the 
little old man, who had confidently expected at least a 
glance of gratitude. 


CHAPTER VIL 


Kever was there more to turn the head of a vain 
young beauty than the allurements with which circum- 
stances had conspired to surround Miss Brower. Every- 
thing that could minister to a taste as exquisite as was 
her own, and everything that could pander to her inor- 
dinate love of luxury, was in this new and delightful 
life with the Tillotsons, and though debarred from 
mingling in large assemblies, there was, as Miss Tillot- 
son had said, so much besides to interest and amuse her^ 
that Helen did not feel as if she had any deprivation. 
Every day there was a visit to some place of interest, 
or a delightful drive through the charming suburbs of 
the city, or a very entertaining visit to the house of 
some friend ; then there were always agreeable 
guests to meet, and the beautiful young orphan con- 
tinued to receive her full meed of admiration; even 
the servants were loud in praise of the gentle, soft- 
spoken young creature, who, while she held her own in 
assumptions that were likely to make them think that 
she was not unaccustomed to her present grandeur, was 
at the same time careful to give no unnecessary trouble. 

Mr. Phillips, however, was the one who most minis- 
tered to her vanity and love of admiration. Though: 

4:2 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


43 


thirty years her senior, he had preserved all the grace 
of his early manhood — a grace which, heightened now 
by the dignity of mature age, at once distinguished him 
wherever he appeared. His interest in Helen seemed 
to increase as the days went on, and the young girl, 
gratified by an attention w’hich was so flattering to one 
of her nature, and dazzled by thoughts of his wealth, 
which she had ample evidence to know was immense, 
succumbed to the influence of her vain and fickle heart ; 
so that it came to be conceded to Mr. Phillips his right 
to constitute himself Miss Brower^s attendant upon 
every occasion, and more than one private conversation 
regarding the matter was held by Mr. and Mrs. Til- 
lotson. 

I am not false to Gerald,” Helen said, indignantly, 
to herself one morning, when, with Gerald’s newly- 
received letter open upon her lap, her conscience re- 
proached her more sharply than usual. Mr. Phillips 
has not yet proposed,” she continued, and I don’t 
know that he will ever do such a thing, at least to me,” 
— in her secret heart she knew that he had been very 
near it the evening before, — and it is no harm for me 
to enjoy myself now; I am only here six weeks, and 
in a few more I shall have to go back to Eastbury and 
Barbara Balk, and all the other disagreeable things. 
Dear me ! what harm can it be if I do flirt for a little 
while ? and after Gerald and I are married I’ll tell him 
all about it, and he’ll forgive me then. Poor Gerald ! 


u 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


how he loves me,” and she took up and kissed the letter 
in which the ardent young fellow had poured forth his 
feelings so passionately. He complains here,” she 
soliloquized again, of the meagre contents of my let- 
ters. Well, I must contrive to say a little more to him.” 

But, notwithstanding her resolution, she wrote very 
little more in her next letter than she had been accus- 
tomed to write; and as usual she did not say one word 
of Mr. Phillips. Though she had written regularly 
to Gerald every week, she had not once mentioned Mr. 
Phillips’ name. She had interlarded her letters with 
verbose accounts of Mr. Morgan and Mr. Scotfeld, the 
betrothed of the Misses Tillotson, and of other 
transient guests of the Tillotsons, but of him of whom 
in common mercy to her lover she should have written, 
she said not a word. And so careful was she to guard 
against the superscription on her letters to Gerald being 
seen, that she detained them until the very issue 
of the mail from the house, lest accident should reveal 
to any of the Tillotsons the fact that she had a masculine 
correspondent. 

Of her letters to Miss Balk, she was not so careful ; 
Indeed, she had more than once sent the Tillotson ladies 
into paroxysms of mirth by her description of Barbara’s 
oddities, and according to the promise extorted from her 
by Miss Balk, she wrote every fortnight to that lady. 
At first her letters had been saucy and independent, 
with a vein of spiteful thanks for her release from such 



“You divine what it is, do you not ?’’ 



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REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


45 


grim censorship ; but after that they became more 
respectful, and even assumed what to another might 
have seemed a tone of regard. Barbara, however, was 
not imposed upon by the change; she pursed up her 
lips and said to herself, as she read a second time 
Helen’s last letter, I wonder what game the minx is 
playing? She’s up to something, or she’d never write 
like that to me. I said I wouldn’t molest her while 
she’s making this visit, even if it should take up a 

year, nor shall I ; but when it’s ended ” 

Her thin lips came together with a snap, and her eyes 
looked savagely at the reflection of her own repulsive 
face in the glass opposite. 

Almost at the same moment, in Mr. Tillotson’s 
parlor, Mr. Phillips was bending over Helen’s chair, 
and saying in low, thrilling tones: 

Mr. Tillotson has promised to accord me an inter- 
view to-night concerning you. Miss Brower; in your 
orphanage I look upon him as your protector, and on 
the conclusion of that interview I shall seek you to 
say something which has trembled on my lips almost 
since the first evening I had the happiness of meeting 
you. You divine what it is, do you not ? ” 

He bent so low that his breath fanned her forehead ; 
but she, shrinking from him, almost cowered in her 
chair, while a hot and painful blush suffused her face 
and shone even on her neck through its filmy covering 
of white lace, 


46 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Regarding her agitation but as a result of the 
modesty with which he credited her, and that made 
her so charming in his eyes, he bent lower still and 
said, with an exquisite blending of respect and tender- 
ness in his tones : 

I shall not further disturb you. Miss Brower, by 
pressing for your answer now; the subject has come too 
suddenly upon you, I see; but when I have concluded 
my interview with Mr. Tillotson, I shall seek you. 
Farewell for a brief space, Helen.” 

It was the first time he had addressed her by her 
Christian name, and it made her heart palpitate with 
sickening speed. 

He sought Mr. Tillotson, and immediately withdrew 
with that gentleman to the library. 

In my impetuosity,” he began, as soon as the door 
was closed upon them and they were seated, I spoke 
to Miss Brower, to prepare her for my proposal, but 
the subject seemed to agitate her so much that I deferred 
it, according to my first intention, until I should have 
had my interview with you.” 

Tillotson did not reply ; instead he covered his face 
with his hands and seemed to be in grave and even 
painful thought, while Phillips regarded him with an 
earnest and somewhat anxious look. At length he 
looked up. 

Phillips,” said he, laying his hand on the other’s 
arm^ ^^my hesitation surprises and perhaps displeases 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


4:7 


you, does it not ? But you will understand and believe 
me when I say that I have all a father’s concern for that 
young creature who has come to us. Her father was 
one of my dearest friends; but apart from that, her 
orphan state, her youth, her limited means, all appeal 
to my instincts as a man and a father, and I have the 
same interest in her welfare that I would wish any 
friend of mine to have in that of my daughters were 
they similarly placed. The accident that threw you 
and me together three years ago abroad discovered at 
that time sufficient of your character to win as warm 
an esteem as perhaps I have ever given to any one out- 
side of my family, and all that I have seen of you 
subsequently has but increased that regard.” Phillips 
bowed. Tillotson continued : That regard was en- 
hanced by the confidence with which you honored me. 
But ” — there was a moment’s hesitation, during which 
the speaker’s eyes looked searchingly into those of the 
listener — are you sure that this marriage which you 
desire will be for your happiness? Forgive me if I 
speak very plain. Are you sure that it is because you 
love Miss Brower you would marry her, and not because 
you would complete the revenge you have already 
partially taken ? ” 

I shall be as frank with you, Tillotson, as you have 
been with me. It is to gratify both passions — love and 
revenge. I love Miss Brower as I have loved but once 
before in my life, and I would cut off, by marrying her, 


48 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


the last hope which may dwell in a proud and obdurate 
heart.” 

He began to be strangely agitated. Tillotson also 
became agitated. Phillips,” said he, “have you 
weighed all the consequences of this unhappy passion, 
revenge; and have you been even just to the object 
you would so ruthlessly crush? Have you never gone 
back to the years that preceded that unhappy event, and 
been touched and softened by their story of affection? 
Perhaps it needs but one word from you to break down 
even now the wall between you.” 

Phillips rose from his chair. 

“ Tillotson, would you counsel me to such degrada- 
tion. Where is your spirit as a man and a father ? ” 

“ But,” said Tillotson, rising also, and speaking 
quickly, “ there may have been no opportunity for the 
other party to make overtures, your whereabouts being 
unknown.” 

Phillips answered, fiercely: 

“ Bodney is always a means of communication. 
Speak no more, Tillotson, on this subject; it wrings my 
heart, and that already has sustained more shocks than 
it long will be capable of enduring.” 

He looked frightfully pale as he spoke, and pressed 
his hand to his side. 

“ My decision is made,” he •continued. “ I shall 
marry Miss Brower if she will accept my hand and if 
you, her sole protector, do not interpose,” with a smile 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


49 


and a bow, and I shall, even before the marriage rite 
takes place, make my will in her favor; everything 
shall be left to her except a few trifling bequests.” 

Tillotson replied: 

Your fortune is so large, will it not be sufficient to 
settle a munificent income upon Helen, and reserve the 
bulk of your wealth for other purposes ? You may 
repent when too late, perhaps, this decision you are so 
passionately insisting upon.” 

^^Hever!” and there was a fierceness in the tones 
that betrayed an implacable spirit. And further, I 
shall annex a condition to the will that my widow, 
should my wife become such, is to possess my wealth 
only so long as she refuses to aid by one cent that ” — 
he hesitated as if seeking a word — other party. The 
moment that she gives to that person a tittle of my 
wealth, that moment she ceases to own my fortune. It 
will revert in that case to your family.” 

My family ! Phillips, are you mad ? My family 
does not need it.” 

Let them endow some charitable institution with it 
if they find it superfluous, but on no pretext is my wife 
to possess a dollar of it should she disobey my wishes. 
Do we fully understand each other now? and have I 
your permission to press my suit for Miss Brower^s 
hand? I do not think that I shall make an unkind 
husband.” 

Hor I, Phillips; and believe me that there is no 

4 


50 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


one to whom I would give her more willingly — no one 
to whom I would give more willingly Mary or Annette ; 
only, that for your own sake I wish this unpleasantness 
of the past were wiped out.” 

Since it cannot be, we shall forget it. And now, 
Tillotson, do you think that Helen — Miss Brower — 
should she favor my suit, could be induced to have the 
ceremony performed soon — in fact, on the very day of 
that of your own daughters ? You know my reason for 
wishing to hasten it ; indeed, my premonitions are very 
sharp sometimes,” and again he pressed his hand upon 
his side. 

Tillotson shook his head. 

I fear to give you any opinion upon that point, it 
is such a delicate one, particularly at this time when 
she is mourning the loss of her father; he is not dead 
six months yet.” 

And yet I must press the matter,” said Phillips, 
if only to secure my own peace of mind.” 

He placed his arm through that of Tillotson, and 
together they left the room. 


CHAPTER YIIL 


Mildred Burchill came home from school one 
afternoon in a much more thoughtful mood than usual, 
and with strange abstraction, instead of immediately 
seeking her mother, as it was her habit to do, she 
entered the parlor and, seating herself on the first con- 
venient chair, covered her face with her hand and 
appeared to be deeply thinking. She had evidently 
supposed the room to be unoccupied, and a first cursory 
sight would justify her supposition; but a second and 
more careful look would have revealed Barbara BalFs 
skimply-dressed form in a corner reading, and almost 
entirely hidden by the half of the curtained casement, 
which, opening into the room, stood as a sort of shield 
before her. She looked up from her book on the en- 
trance of Mildred, and watched the latter with the 
glance of a basilisk. 

Suddenly there were quick little steps on the piazza, 
and a fat, round, freckled face surmounted by an un- 
combed mass of thick red hair, thrust itself in at the 
casement beside which Miss Balk sat. She started up 
in some dismay, and the dirty, tattered child to whom 
the freckled face belonged, equally frightened at finding 
a live being where she expected nothing but the open 
51 


62 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


casement, fell inward, striking against Barbara’s toes, 
and putting a rent in Barbara’s silk dress. 

“ You filthy, nasty little brat ! how dare you come 
into any person’s house that way ? ” And Barbara’s 
shrill and angry tones would have given fear to a 
stouter heart than the poor, little, dirty mite, who had 
picked herself up and was saying, with her fists in 
her eyes: 

Please, ma’am, I didn’t go for to do it. I ” 

But Miss Balk’s wrath would suffer no explanation. 

Don’t tell me that, you good-for-nothing imp. 
Don’t ” This time she was interrupted by Mil- 

dred, who, comprehending the scene at last, darted 
forward and caught the child’s hand. 

Were you looking for me, Maggie ? ” 

Yes, ma’am,” — sobbing as if her heart would break, 
— Mammy sent me for you. Poppy’s home from the 
factory, and there’s awful times there. Come right 
away, please. Miss Burchill,” and both little chubby, 
dirty fists were clinging to the friendly hand of Mildred. 

You see. Miss Balk, the child really meant no 
harm. She saw me through the casement, I suppose, 
and thought it the surest and quickest way to reach me. 
I am sorry she has torn your dress, but you will surely 
not continue to hold anger against my little friend for 
that.” 

All this from Miss Burchill while her frank eyes 
looked full into the flaming eyes before her. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


53 


Your friends , — with a sarcastic accent on the 
latter word — I presume, are too sure of their privi- 
leges to care about my anger.’’ 

This from Barbara, while, with one hand covering 
the rent made in her dress, she stalked from the room 
stiffer and grimmer than ever. 

Mildred was indignant and more annoyed than she 
cared to acknowledge even to herself. The emphasis 
on the word friends, and the hidden meaning evidently 
implied in the whole sentence, made her feel as if she 
had received some bitter insult ; but for the sake of her 
mother, who seemed really foolishly afraid of offending 
Miss Balk, she would endure it. Besides, two months 
of Barbara’s stay had expired, and in four months more 
her sojourn with them would end. 

Having informed her mother of the summons which 
had come for her. Miss Burchill accompanied little 
Maggie to a part of the village which comprised the 
poor, and, in many cases, dirty abodes of the poorest 
people of Eastbury; people who lived from hand to 
mouth, and who, to purchase brief oblivion of their 
condition, frequently spent on liquor that which should 
have given food to their families. The dwellings in 
many cases were rudest shanties, and in some of these 
a broken window, or a door half off its hinges, or the 
neglected state of the little plot of ground surrounding, 
told the story of drunken indolence. 

Into one of these shanties Maggie conducted Mildred, 


54 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


thougli it was evident from Mildred’s manner the place 
was not unfamiliar to her. As she entered a woman 
with a baby in her arms started up from a low seat in 
a corner of the room. Though poor and plain, well- 
nigh to the last degree of poverty, the apartment was 
very clean, and the poor, hollow-eyed creature who met 
the girl bore evidence of neatness in her dress. 

May God reward you. Miss Burchill, for coming. 
I’m in sore distress this time.” 

The sleeping baby in her arms was stirring, and she 
paused to kiss and soothe it. 

Miss Burchill waited with that expression of tender 
sympathy in her face which is of itself more sometimes 
than a gift would be. 

Mr. Eobipson, you see, has been cutting down the 
wages again, apd Dick got into one of his tantrums, 
and said he’d stand it no longer. He said he was flesh 
and blood, and not a stone to be stepped on that way; 
that he wouldn’t have stood it so long only for Mr. 
Thurston. And so he’s been stirring up the other hands 
with his speeches, and yesterday Mr. Eobinson dis- 
charged Dick, and sure we’ll starve all together 
novj^ ” 

She paused to let her tears have way, and they 
trickled on the face of the sleeping babe. 

“ That was all when he had the drop in,” she resumed. 

If he had kept sober he wouldn’t have gone to the 
extremes he did ; but it was the drink that fired him to 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


55 


it, and he^s so reckless since his discharge that he thinks 
of nothing hut making the hands agree to a strike, and 
I’m afraid he’ll do it, for they’re to have a meeting to- 
night at Raney’s Hall, and perhaps it will all bring bad 
work.” 

She stopped again to soothe the half-awakened baby, 
and Mildred gravely reflected on what she had heard. 

I sent for you. Miss Burchill, thinking that, as 
Mr. Thurston boarded in your house, you might speak 
a word to him for Dick,” and the tearful eyes were 
fastened with resistless entreaty on the face of her 
listener. Everybody knows that Mr. Thurston is 
everything with Mr. Robinson, and I think Dick would 
be content to go back even at the reduction, for he 
knows we’ll starve if he don’t; and he cried himself 
last night when he was sober and we were all talking 
the matter over together. Will you speak for him. Miss 
Burchill ? ” 

Certainly, if you think it will do any good. But 
the fact that Mr. Thurston hoards with us gives me no 
right to ask a favor from him; indeed, I seldom speak 
to him.” 

Ho matter for that, dear ; but ask him.” 

And Mildred, on her homeward way, was full of the 
thought as to how she would approach Mr. Thurston. 
After supper she found, or rather made, an opportunity. 
Waylaying him in the little passage, much as Miss Balk 
had done on a former occasion, she asked his permission 


56 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


to speak to him, then she led the way to the parlor, 
secretly thankful that Miss Balk was on the piazza, 
where, if she saw them, as she must do through the open 
casement should she turn her head, she was at least far 
enough away not to hear their conversation. In a low 
tone, and in her own brief, simple, candid way she 
stated the facts. 

Gerald looked very grave. 

This man for whom you are interceding,^’ he said, 
in as low a tone as she had used, is really a very 
formidable character to us in the factory just now, 
because of the influence which he exerts over his fellow- 
workmen both by his generous disposition and his 
talents as a speaker; almost without education, he can 
stir men up by his uncouth eloquence as many cultivated 
orators are unable to do, and for these reasons it is 
safer to have him out of the factory. I allow that the 
reduction in the men’s wages was hard; God knows, 
their pay was scanty enough before ; but their master is 
a close one, and beggars, you know, can’t be choosers.” 

There had succeeded to the look of pity which came 
into his eyes when he spoke of the men’s wages a half- 
playful expression, but it only lasted an instant ; he was 
saying, as gravely as before: 

You have given me valuable information. Miss 
Burchill. I felt that the hands would take some con- 
certed action, but I did not know how soon nor where 
would be their place of meeting. ^ Eaney’s Hall,’ you 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


57 


say ? I shall be there ; and now you may assure this 
poor Mrs. Hogan that I shall do all in my power to 
have her husband reinstated.” 

Thank you,” and one fair slender hand was ex- 
tended to him, while the glow of pleasure on Miss 
BurchilFs face showed how earnest was her gratitude. 

They turned to leave the room, and were met by Miss 
Balk’s spare form standing in the open casement. 

Gerald could have shot himself for starting as he did; 
but, to the shame of his manhood be it spoken, the 
sight of Barbara always gave him a shiver, and Mildred 
was very angry with herself for coloring so violently; 
but Barbara, with a haughty, scornful glance at both, as 
if they were unworthy of any but her contemptuous 
attention, passed into the room, on her way to the centre- 
table, where were kept the choice books of the house- 
hold. 


CHAPTER IX. 


Phillips sought Helen at the close of his interview 
with Tillotson ; she felt his presence even before she saw 
him, and, stopping suddenly in some vivacious remark 
to Annette, she blushed and trembled visibly. But the 
amused Annette only smiled the more significantly ; she 
fancied she understood Miss BrowePs emotion, she had 
impulsively repeated Mr. Phillips’ last remarks to her- 
self, — and though during the whole evening the young 
lady thought Helen strangely agitated, she was not 
disposed to question or criticise her emotion. Through 
Helen’s mind wild thoughts of immediate flight were 
speeding, but Phillips had reached her, and, while 
Annette gracefully withdrew, he was saying : 

Miss Brower, will you accord me a few minutes now 
in the library ? ” 

She bowed assent, — she could not speak if she had 
tried — and she turned and followed him. 

In the library he drew forward for her the chair so 
recently occupied by Tillotson, and standing before 
her told in a rapid, impassioned way his love, and his 
desire for a speedy marriage. 

His vehemence produced a strange awe in her; she 

68 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


59 


shivered as if with an ague, and her eyes, which were 
fastened upon his face, had the terrified stare of some 
hunted animal; he perceived it and became concerned 
and remorseful. Bending to her, he took her hand; it 
was like marble in his hot grasp. 

Forgive me, Helen. I have frightened you by my 
impetuosity ; but when a man’s heart is stirred as mine 

is, his feelings too easily carry him away. And I have 
suffered so keenly in the past; one day perhaps you 
shall know, and then you will understand and pity me.” 

A low cry broke from her blanched lips, and she 
snatched her hand from him and covered her face with 

it, for not quite three months ago had not Gerald 
Thurston spoken those very words to her ? 

Phillips, utterly unsuspicious, and only chiding him- 
self for being too abrupt with one so sensitive, was 
saying, in an agony of remorse : 

My darling, I shall say no more to cause you such 
agitation; only look up, and tell me that you forgive 
me; in my haste I forgot how delicately sensitive you 
are.” 

He had drawn her hand from her face, and, waiting a 
moment as if to be sure that her agitation would take no 
worse form than the intense pallor that rather added 
to than detracted from her beauty, he resumed : 

I have been proceeding, Helen, like an insane man. 
I do not yet know that you will accept my hand, and 
yet I have built my hopes alone on the encouragement 


60 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


which you have given me. Your manner certainly 
evinced that my attentions were agreeable to you ; were 
they not, you would have made me understand that fact 
before this late moment. As an honorable woman you 
must have done so.” 

The last impulse to act honorably on Helen’s part 
fled at these words. How could she tell that stern and 
yet impetuous man that she who had permitted and 
received his attentions was all the time the betrothed of 
another? She could not meet the scorn and wrath 
which she felt would be sure to follow such an avowal; 
so she thrust back the earnest, manly face that rose to 
upbraid her, and sat up rigidly to hear the remainder 
of that passionate declaration. 

Phillips continued: 

Once before, Helen, have I loved, but not with the 
strength of affection which I seem to have for you. 
Of course, you are aware that I am a widower, — a 
childless widower.” There was a slightly perceptible 
accent of bitterness on the next to the last word, but 
the fair listener did not perceive it. Though so much 
older than you as to be more father than husband, I 
shall be both, Helen. All my wealth shall be yours, 
and your life shall be replete with every gratification 
that my love or my means can procure for you. Ho 
you accept, Helen ? Will you be mine ? ” His eyes 
were burning into hers, his hot, hard-drawn breath 
fanning her face. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


61 


For answer she placed her hands in his, and then she 
bowed her head, and sought desperately to shut out the 
vision of Thurston’s face. 

Phillips circled her with his arm. 

My darling, my own ! And now there is hut one 
thing more, — the naming of the day. You will allow 
our marriage to take place with that of Mary and 
Annette ? ” 

She sprang from him. 

I could not ! Oh please don’t ask me that, I could 
not marry so soon; indeed I could not.” 

A flood of tears accompanied her last words. 

My poor, affectionate child,” said Phillips, you 
hesitate, I suppose, on account of the recent death of 
your father. I do not blame you ; indeed, it but enhances 
my regard for you. But, my little Helen, I am too 
impetuous a lover to defer for very long my claim to 
you even in consideration to your filial affection, and I 
think your father, could he speak from his grave, 
would not object to see his little girl provided for even 
so soon as six months after his death. Since, however, 
you feel it so keenly, I shall give you the grace of an 
additional three months, allowing nine months to elapse 
from the death of your father. Will that suffice ? ” 

Her tears ceased. 

Thank you, Mr. Phillips ; that will do.” 

In her mind were all sorts of whirling thoughts about 
this three months’ respite. Something might happen. 


62 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


something must happen, to prevent the consummation 
of her horrible treachery to Gerald. 

He led her from the library directly to Mrs. Tillot- 
son, and in an inimitably quiet and graceful way made 
the good lady acquainted with the relation which he now 
held to her young guest. Then, leaving the latter to 
be folded in an embrace so tender that tears of remorse 
for the deceitful part she was acting sprang to her eyes, 
he sought Mr. Tillotson. Mrs Tillotson said to the 
fair girl she was holding so closely to her breast : 

I congratulate you, my dear girl. You will have a 
husband worthy of you, and one who will place you in 
the position you are so well fitted to adorn.’’ 

The last words quieted Helen’s emotion, for they 
brought up the old, fondly-indulged-in visions of wealth, 
elegant dress, fashionable society, and all the luxuries 
which her inconstant heart so craved. She looked up 
from the bosom where she had buried her face, and that 
still retained traces of her recent remorseful tears, and 
assumed a manner so expressive of happiness, and at 
the same time so modest, that during the rest of the 
evening, when congratulations from the different mem- 
bers of the family warmly poured upon her, and 
Phillips, after he had announced his engagement to 
Tillotson, seemed unable to remain a moment from her 
side, she charmed more than ever those who had taken 
her so unsuspiciously to their hearts. 

Later however, in her own room, there came fiercely 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


63 


enough to her the torturing thoughts which flattering 
attention and music and mirth had kept at hay so 
successfully during the earlier part of the evening; 
regardless now of what Jennie might think at being 
dismissed so soon, she sent her from the room, and 
cried more unhappy and bitter tears than she had shed 
in her whole life. 

Mr. Phillips forced me into this engagement,” she 
said aloud, in answer to the sharp upbraiding of her con- 
science, and I shall not be false to Gerald. Ul run 
away ; I’ll do something before I’ll marry Mr. Phillips. 
Poor Gerald ! I’ll write to him this very night, and he’ll 
think I’m wonderfully good to write again so soon; 
it is only two days since I wrote to him before. But 
then my letters have been shamefully short. Well, I’ll 
make up for them by writing him a good long loving one 
now.” 

She rose to get her writing materials, pausing on the 
way to draw from her bosom a slender chain to which 
was attached a small gold heart ; a light touch opened it 
and revealed the manly face of Thurston. 

She pressed it to her lips, and when she was seated at 
her desk she unclasped the chain from her neck, and 
placed the open locket where she could look at it from 
time to time while she wrote. 

And all this she told to Gerald in her letter, — how 
his picture looked up to her while she penned passionate 
words of afPection which she would have sworn came 


64 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


from her heart, and page after page was filled with a 
nervous rapidity that astonished herself. But the bulky 
packet, when at last it lay sealed and addressed, was as 
innocent of Mr. Phillips’ name as had been all her 
previous letters. 


CHAPTEK X. 


Gerald TnuRSToisr received Miss Brower’s loving 
effusion as he was about to go forth to Raney’s Hall. 

The meeting was not to be held for three-quarters of 
an hour yet; he could give ten minutes to the letter of 
his betrothed and have ample time to reach the place of 
assembly. With trembling haste he tore it open, and 
read with delighted surprise a letter such as Helen never 
before had written to him. His eyes brightened, his 
cheeks flushed with pleasure, and he pressed the tinted 
and perfumed sheets to his lips. Then, placing the 
packet in his breast, he hurried out. Even his gait was 
more elastic owing to the reception of that letter, and 
his voice, as he saluted Grandfather Burchill, who was 
sitting on the little front porch, had a heartier ring in 
it; meeting Miss Balk on the street, he did not seem to 
experience quite the thrill which any unexpected sight 
of her always caused him. He raised his hat, and even 
went so far as to salute her more kindly than he had 
done for a fortnight past ; but Barbara was as grim and 
obdurate as ever, and she passed him with scarcely a 
response to his salutation, while Gerald, caring little, 
6 65 


66 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


now that he held in Helen’s letter an assurance that, as 
he loved so was he loved in return, continued his way, 
humming to himself a gay love tune. 

Raney’s Hall ” was a great barn-like place just 
within the precincts of the poorest part of Easthury. 
The lower portion served as a low bar-room ; the upper 
part was a long, low, wide apartment, hired in turn for 
halls occasionally given by the poor but festively-in- 
clined residents of the village, and the political meet- 
ings that aroused alternately the boisterous spirit of 
opposing political factions. 

How as Gerald approached he could see the entrance 
surrounded by the factory operatives; in but a few 
instances had they changed their working-dress, or 
assumed a semblance of cleanliness even in the matter 
of washed faces or combed hair. Dirty, gaunt, and 
tattered, their heavy faces and watery eyes bore evidence 
that another agency than a close-fisted employer had to 
do with their poverty. 

They made respectful way for Gerald, and while a‘ 
few faces looked threatening, the majority brightened 
as he kindly greeted them. 

You are to have a meeting, I understand,” he said 
to one of the men, and Dick Hogan is to make a 
speech.” 

We are, sir,” the man answered, civilly, while at 
the same time a look of surprise not unmixed with fear 
came into his face* 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 67 

Gerald saw the expression and correctly interpreted 
it. 

Do not fear, my man,” he said, in a hearty tone. 

I am not here acting under Mr. Robinson^s orders. I 
am here on my own account, to help you, my poor 
fellows, if I can consistently with right and justice.” 

God bless you, sir ; you were always our friend 
since you came to the factory.” And the man lifted his 
ragged cap. 

There was a movement of the groups as if some signal 
to enter had been given, and they hurried up the well- 
worn wooden stair to the low wide room above, now 
dimly lighted. Gerald followed, keeping beside the 
man to whom he had spoken, but at the door of the room 
he found himself repulsed. 

I am sorry,” said the operative who acted as door- 
keeper, but you are not one of us, Mr. Thurston, 
and Dick’s orders were strict to let no one in but our- 
selves.” 

Is Dick here ? ” asked Gerald. 

He is, sir.” 

Tell him that I desire admission.” 

The message brought the man termed Dick to the 
door. Shabbily dressed and unkempt as he was, his 
massive form and uncommonly handsome features 
would attract even a casual observer. He confronted 
Gerald respectfully, but with something of a haughty 
surprise. 


68 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Will you refuse me entrance, Dick ? ” 

“ How did you know of this meeting ? ” was the 
question asked instead of the reply Gerald expected. 

Hever mind that,’’ said Thurston, hut tell me at 
once whether you will admit me.” 

The large and somewhat fierce-looking black eyes of 
the man looked sharply into Gerald’s face, and the 
firm set mouth twitched a little. 

Thurston bent forward and placed his hand on his 
arm. 

Tell me, Dick, who before this has stood between the 
hands and a determination to crush them by bringing 
in foreign labor ? Who for the past two years has done 
all in his power to maintain the wages even at their 
present rate ? ” 

Hogan became humbled and abashed. You, Mr. 
Thurston,” he said, hanging his head. 

Gerald continued: 

I came here to-night as much in your interest as 
in that of my employer, to use what influence I may 
possess in the cause of right and justice. You are sober 
now, Dick, and so are enabled to take an impartial vieAV 
of things. Had you been sober the day before yester- 
day you would not have provoked Mr. Kobinson to 
discharge you, and had you not continued to drink after 
that, you would not have gone to such an extremity as 
this meeting proves you to have done.” 

Hogan still hung his head, and the other hands, who 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


69 


had grouped themselves near, curious and anxious to 
know the subject of the conference, seeing their leader 
apparently cowed, lost much of their own bold demeanor. 

Gerald still continued: 

You had a purpose in stirring up the men so 
soon. You would have a strike go into operation to- 
morrow if possible.’’ 

Hogan raised his head: 

I will be honest with you, Mr. Thurston — that’s my 
intention. I know that Mr. Hobinson will lose a good 
many thousand dollars if the contract isn’t finished in 
time, and so I’d have the hands strike while the way is 
clear before them. He’s keeping us on starvation wages 
long enough; it’s time we’d keep some of the dollars 
from his rich purse.” 

Ah, my man ! you are only looking at one side of the 
case. Grant that you succeed in your effort to make 
Mr. Hobinson so great a loser, what after that ? An 
increase of wages for the operatives ? Ho, but a sweep- 
ing discharge, and an immediate introduction of foreign 
labor. Hobinson is rich enough to stand a loss of many 
thousand dollars, and rich enough to compass his ends, 
be they the punishment of his employees or the introduc- 
tion of foreign workmen. Ho, my poor fellow, your 
reasoning is entirely opposed to your own interest and to 
that of the other factory-hands. Think! the winter is 
near. What will these hundred poor fellows do with 
their helpless families? Where will they go, or how 


70 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


will they procure employment? Better continue their 
work even at the present poor rate of pay ; but I think I 
can guarantee, if you will abolish this meeting and try 
rather to prevent a strike than to organize one, that 
you yourself shall be reinstated in the factory, and on 
the completion of this contract Mr. Bobinson shall be so 
impressed with the magnanimity of the operatives in 
giving up their determination to strike when circum- 
stances were so much in their favor that he will, of his 
own accord, raise the wages.” 

Hogan shook his head: 

“ You don^t know your man, Mr. Thurston, if you 
think he’d be touched by the like of that. WeVe worked 
for him many a day before you came here, and the way 
he screwed us to the last penny made it a wonder more 
than once that we didn’t rise up and murder him where 
he stood. Since you came you seemed to stand between 
us, somehow, as if you had a secret power over him 
some way.” 

Gerald knew to what he owed his secret power over 
Mr. Bobinson, though he did not enlighten the poor 
fellow. He owed it to the fact that his business ability 
brought more money to the miserly factory-owner than 
the latter could gain by his own management of the 
work. 

Hogan continued, losing much of his humble air as 
he proceeded : 

And I wouldn’t put it past him to have sent you 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


71 

down here with a soft speech in your mouth in order to 
turn us against our purpose.” 

Gerald replied, a little indignantly: 

Were my soft speeches in the past in his or in your 
interest ? You say that I seem to have stood between 
you and his hard course, and you acknowledge that your 
condition has been something better since I came to the 
factory ; why accuse me now of contrary conduct ? 
And this, like your other reasoning, is opposed to the 
judgment of your rational mind. You know that Mr. 
Robinson is from home ; that were he in Eastbury, and 
knew of this meeting, he could have stopped it as a 
riotous and disorderly proceeding, for half of these 
fellows are now so full of liquor that it needs but one 
of your firebrand speeches to set them fighting with 
each other if they can find no one else to fall upon. No, 
Dick, I came down here, as I told you before, of my 
own accord, to help you if I can, consistently with 
right and justice. Now, what will you do? continue 
your preparation for a strike, and have the suffering of 
these poor fellows and their families upon you, for 
suffer they certainly will if you win them to this 
step ? ” 

Again the firm set mouth twitched, and the fierce- 
looking eyes seemed to pierce Gerald’s countenance. 

I must, Mr. Thurston ; the boys expect me to speak, 
but I’ll tell them all you said, and let them choose their 

yy 


own course.' 


72 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


He turned away, giving, as he did so, a low order to 
the door-keeper to admit Gerald. 

Hogan kept his word with Thurston. He mounted 
the rude platform to speak, and while the rugged 
begrimed faces, wearing a strange aspect in the dim 
light of the hall, looked up to him with intense expecta- 
tion, no one waited with such keen and anxious interest 
for the first words which should fall from his lips as 
Thurston. Assigned a place very near the platform, he 
riveted his gaze on the speaker with a magnetism that 
more than once compelled the latter to return the 
steady and searching look. 

Hogan — uncouth, illiterate as he was — was a natural 
orator; there was even a grace and dignity about his 
attitude, as he stood for a moment before beginning 
his speech, which surprised Gerald, and won from him 
involuntary admiration. 

He gave calmly, in his own way, the substance of the 
interview which had just occurred between Mr. Thurston 
and himself; but in the next breath he hurst into an 
impassioned account of the wrongs which had brought 
about the present meeting. Tones and gestures were 
on fire from his own impassioned feelings, and, while 
his language was the simplest and homeliest, every 
word, because of the voice and manner of the speaker, 
struck with resistless influence the hearts of the uncouth 
fellows whom he addressed. Even Thurston bent a 
little to ' the sway of that powerful oratory, but he 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


1Z 

paled as he saw how Hogan’s stirring words were 
riveting the fierce, sullen determination which had 
been visible from the first on the faces of many. Some- 
thing must he done, and done quickly, if he would save 
his employer’s interest, and save the unhappy men them- 
selves from an act which must result disastrously. 

Waiting only to have the last word leave Hogan’s 
lips, he sprang upon the platform and begged a hearing. 

Surprise kept every one silent for a second, then dis- 
cordant cries broke out: 

We won’t hear you; you’ll take the part of Mr. 
Hohinson against us ; we’ll have our rights ! ” mingled 
with, — 

Yes, we will hear you ; you were always for us ! 
Speak on ! ” 

Hogan himself demanded order, and asked them to 
listen to Thurston. 

Gerald spoke, in his simple manly way detailing the 
evils their course would bring upon themselves, the 
little hope of redress which a strike would gain, and 
ended by pledging himself to obtain some increase in 
their wages if they would abandon their present attempt. 

He waited for some one to reply, hut instead, a 
discussion ensued between the men. Many were for 
accepting Gerald’s terms at once, and as many more 
refused to do so, saying that Thurston would be unable 
to keep his pledge, and that so good an opportunity for 
a strike might not occur again. 


74 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


In the midst of the discussion the door of the hall 
was forced violently open, and a number of constables 
entered. One produced a warrant for the arrest of 
Dick Hogan. 

What for ? ’’ said Hogan, coming forward, and 
with a look in his eyes from which the man shrank. 

For inciting these men to be disturbers of the 
peace. It^s on Mr. Hobinson’s orders the warrant was 
issued.” 

Mr. Robinson, eh ! ” and for a moment Hogan’s 
face grew white with suppressed passion. Well, come 
on then, and take me if you can.” 

He braced himself against the wall, and flourished a 
large knife which he drew from his breast. 

The constable drew his pistol. 

Put up your pistol,” shouted Thurston, who had 
flung himself in front of Hogan and was struggling with 
the officers to keep hack the angry and desperate men. 
But his order came too late ; the officer, maddened by the 
fierce and unexpected resistance of Hogan, and appre- 
hensive also of violence to himself from the other factory 
operatives, yielded to his first savage impulse and fired. 
The ball passed not to the man for whom it was intended, 
hut to Thurston, who had interposed himself as a 
shield between the officer and his intended victim. 
Without a word or a groan he fell; and Hogan, struck 
with awe and remorse, dropped his knife and stood 
like one paralyzed above the bleeding form at his feet. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


75 


The confusion became consternation. Gerald was 
thought to he dead, he lay so white and motionless, and, 
while a hurried order was given by one of the con- 
stables for a physician, his companions proceeded to 
arrest Hogan. He made no resistance, seeming like one 
dazed and keeping his eyes on the wounded man. The 
officer who had fired the pistol placed himself under 
arrest. 

The messenger who had rushed hatless for the nearest 
doctor speedily returned with one, who at once pro- 
nounced the wound serious. Messengers were dispatched 
for a conveyance, and Thurston, still insensible, was 
removed to it, and, accompanied by the doctor, was 
slowly driven to his hoarding-house. 


CHAPTEK XL 


The wedding of the Tillotson girls took place in the 
quiet, unostentatious manner in which they chose to 
conduct everything. The guests were few but they 
were well selected, and in the enjoyment of it all Helen 
forgot for a time her own unhappy state of mind. All 
her efforts — and they had been many — ^were vain to 
stifle the reproaches and the terror of her conscience 
for the promise she had given Mr. Phillips. Gerald’s 
face rose before her in a way that would not be put 
down, and his voice rang in her ears whenever she was 
alone, until she was often constrained to seek some 
member of the family in order to dispel the delusion. 
Once, yielding to an impulse of her better nature, she 
actually began a letter to him in which she intended 
to make a frank confession, assure him of her deep love 
for him, and beg him to come immediately for her, and 
remove her from influences which had been so baneful 
to her. But the thought of the consternation which 
such a proceeding must cause in the Tillotson family, 
the disgust which it must arouse for herself, paralyzed 
her hand; then she thought of flight, and was almost 
casting about her for some means of secretly 
76 


accom- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


rr 


plishing it, when Mr. Phillips’ immense wealth and 
the dazzling prospects which that wealth held out to 
her, made her again pause and waver. At last she 
determined on complete forgetfulness, and for this pur- 
pose she took the locket that contained Gerald’s picture 
from her bosom. It seemed to stick to her hand; she 
burst into a passion of tears, and ended by returning it 
to its place. On this day of the wedding, however, in 
the consciousness of her beauty, which was never more 
brilliant, and which made her as much an object of 
attraction as the two handsome brides, and the recipient 
of attentions the most delicate and flattering from Mr. 
Phillips, she was enabled to keep her wild thoughts 
completely at bay. Indeed, not a little to her own 
surprise, Gerald’s face did not once interpose in its 
accustomed way, and when the reception which fol- 
lowed the marriage ceremony was over, and the brides 
had gone on their Western tour, and Helen had a 
moment to slip from the guests still below, she found 
herself so happy from the adulation that had ministered 
to her vanity that she determined to write an immediate 
account of the day’s festivities to Gerald. True, he had 
not answered her last letter, but his reply might have 
miscarried, and in any event she knew that her letters 
could not be too frequent. So she gave him glowing 
details of the double wedding, appended a description 
of her own appearance, and ended with the warmest 
protestations of love for himself; but as in the case of 


78 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


every other letter, so was this one innocent of the name 
of Phillips. 

On the day succeeding the wedding she was in so 
much demand by Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson, who had 
become quite fondly attached to her, and by Phillips 
himself, who seemed restless and anxious out of her 
presence, that she had little time for solitude. Gerald 
had not replied to any of her recent letters, and while 
she wondered, and even somewhat worried, interior 
voices were saying to her that his silence might be very 
fortunate. In this seeming neglect of his would be 
found a sufficient excuse for the breaking of her engage- 
ment to him, and for her marriage to Phillips; and as 
every day brought acknowledgments of the latter’s warm 
regard for her in the shape of costly presents, the voice 
of her conscience was further stilled, and her treachery 
to her lover nearer completion. Though continuing to 
write every fortnight to Barbara Balk, she made not a 
single allusion to Gerald, and that lady in her caustic 
replies was equally silent about him. 

But a month remains,” whispered Mr. Phillips to 
Helen, one day that he came to lunch with the Tillot- 
sons ; and as that morning she had received from him an 
exquisite set of jewels, she could do nothing but assent 
to his whisper by a smile and a blush. He pressed her 
hand, and they entered the dining-room together. But 
what a sight met them. 

Mrs Tillotson in a passion of tears hung on her hus- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


79 


band’s neck, while he, holding an open telegram, looked 
the picture of grief and horror. 

Eead, Phillips,” he said, extending the telegram, 
and see how suddenly grief has overtaken us.” 

Phillips read; 

Accident to the train — Annette and Mary hurt, but 
not seriously ; still it is better that you should come on. 

Charles Scotfeld.” 

I have given orders for our immediate departure,” 
said Mr. Tillotson, for, though the telegram states ^ not 
seriously ’ ; I have sad misgivings.” 

At this instant a servant entered, bearing another 
dispatch. It was torn open with feverish haste. 

There is no cause for alarm. Both ladies are very 
slightly hurt, and both request me to state that there is 
no necessity to subject you to the fatigue of a journey 
to them. 

C. Scotfeld.” 

Thank God ! ” said Mr. Phillips. But Mrs. Tillot- 
son had sustained a shock which nothing but the pros- 
pect of going immediately to her daughters seemed to 
lighten. She must see them, and Tillotson, both to 
gratify her and to satisfy his own yearning to behold 
for himself the condition of his children, determined to 
follow out his order for speedy departure. 


80 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


And Helen/’ he said, “ shall accompany us.” 

Ho,” said Phillips. I have another plan ; spare 
me a few minutes, Tillotson, to submit it to you.” 

They withdrew to the library, leaving Helen white 
and terror-stricken, but her paleness and terror were 
attributed to the sad news received, and not to her 
secret premonitions of what Phillips’ plan might be. 

She had little time, however, to yield to her wild 
thoughts for Mrs. Tillotson had drawn her to her, and 
was weeping upon her neck tears of mingled sorrow and 
joy, — joy that the last news had been so favorable; 
and in a few moments the two men returned, and 
immediately approached her. 

Phillips’ plan was disclosed to her. It was that her 
marriage to him should take place that very day, before 
Mr. and Mrs Tillotson’s departure. It could be a very 
quiet ceremony, performed in the house of the Tillotsons, 
which should remain the home of the newly- wedded 
couple for the few days prior to a journey abroad. 

The plan met Tillotson’s warm approbation, and 
Mrs. Tillotson kissing and straining the pallid girl to 
her, whispered — 

Consent, dearest ; it is best for you.” 

But Helen gasped, while Gerald’s face rose up in its 
old persistent way. 

You gave me three months : there is a month yet.” 

Her terror was plainly visible and utterly inexpli- 
cable to the three who saw it, even on the supposition. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


81 


which was in the mind of each, that her time of mourn- 
ing for her father had not expired. 

Phillips answered with a sternness that Helen had 
never heard in his tones before, and that somewhat 
terrified her. 

If the thought of a hastier union with me than you 
had expected is so insupportable, Helen, it is better that 
you should ask to be released from your engagement; 
or if there be some secret reason why — ” he bent towards 
her; she was forced to look at him, and she cowered 
before the expression of his eyes — “ you should continue 
to crave delay ; it is your duty to tell it.’’ 

For one whirling moment the last impulse of her bet- 
ter nature rose up. Ask the release that he suggests,” 
whispered the still small voice; but her weak nature 
recoiled from the indignation and scorn with which she 
felt she would be visited ; indeed, she was terrified now, 
and she had but one desire — to do anything that would 
regain Phillips’ wonted regard. 

I have no reason; I was only thinking of papa.” 
Her tears burst forth, and she threw herself sobbing on 
Mrs. Tillotson’s breast. It was the last protest of her 
stifled conscience against her falsehood and her cruel 
wrong to Gerald. 

But Phillips never was so much in love with her as 
at that moment; her grief, deeming it as he did the 
outburst of a devoted filial affection, enhanced the 
charm of her character, and he became impatient to 

6 


82 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


win at once her consent to an immediate marriage. 
Waiting only for the partial calm of her agitation, he 
pressed with delicate courtesy for her answer. Power- 
less now to resist the toils she had woven about herself, 
she assented, and he withdrew with Tillotson to make 
immediate preparations for a hasty ceremony, while 
Mrs. Tillotson accompanied Helen to her room. 


CHAPTEK XIL 


Thurston’s return wounded and insensible as he still 
remained, had put Mrs. Burchill’s little household into 
a state of great consternation and excitement; indeed, 
the only persons who seemed to have any self-possession 
were Mildred and Miss Balk. The former quietly 
gave the orders relative to Gerald’s immediate care 
which her astounded and affrighted mother seemed too 
bewildered to give, and Miss Balk, without vouchsaf- 
ing a single question to any one, watched while they 
carried the wounded man through the little passage 
and up the short stair with something very like a look 
of triumph in her eyes. 

A surgeon who at the request of the doctor in attend- 
ance had been summoned now arrived, and both found 
Miss Burchill of invaluable assistance ; she was so 
noiseless and yet so quick in her movements and she 
seemed to divine hy singular intuition where her aid 
would he most effectual. 

The ball, that had lodged in the region of the heart, 
could not be extracted that night, and the utmost that 
could be done for the sufferer was to endeavor to bring 
83 


84 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


him to consciousness, and to allay the pain he might 
then suffer. 

Robinson, owing to the thought of Mildred, had been 
summoned, and he came at once. He was ushered to 
Gerald’s bedside, and his hard, lean, angular face as it 
bent over the wounded man, might well justify the 
reputation which the factory hands gave him of close- 
ness. Even his form, tall and exceedingly spare, 
looked as if it were a living witness of its owner’s 
rigid parsimony. 

He turned after a brief survey of Gerald to ask some 
question of the doctor, and his eyes fell upon Mildred. 
She had been waiting upon the physician, and she now 
stood for an instant where the light of the lamp fell 
fully upon her. She looked very attractive in her 
simple, neat-fitting, dark dress, and Robinson’s cold 
eyes glittered as they rested upon her. But he turned 
in a moment to ask what were the chances of Gerald’s 
recovery. 

Slight,” was the reply of the doctor, unless the 
ball can be extracted to-morrow.” 

The lean, angular face looked anxious. 

Might he die to-night ? ” 

Ho, Mr. Robinson; he will not die to-night unless 
some very unexpected change should take place.” 

Then I shall not remain, and if any change for the 
worse should happen, send for me at once. I must 
speak to him upon business matters before he dies.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


85 


The last words betraying as they did the intense 
selfishness of the speaker, caused Miss Burchill to look 
at him. Their eyes met, — those keen, greenish-looking 
eyes, so keen and peculiar in their color that they gave 
a most singular expression to his face, and her large, 
bright, frank eyes. To her dying day she never forgot 
the effect produced upon her by that look. It was as if 
a current from some charnel chamber had swept across 
her, while at the same time she experienced an instan- 
taneous conviction that this man was in some unpleasant 
way to cross her future path. Leaving the room, she 
was glad to find her mother ready to escort the factory 
owner to the door, and she fied to her own room to 
chide herself for her silly sensations and to reason her- 
self back to her wonted calm. Her strange emotions 
seemed the more inexplicable that, though never having 
spoken to the wealthy factory owner, nor seen him so 
closely before, still his form and face were not 
unfamiliar to her. 

At the door Kobinson had paused to say to Mrs. 
Burchill. 

Who is that young lady upstairs ? ” 

My daughter, sir,” she replied with maternal pride. 

“ TJmph ! What does she do ? what trade does she 
follow?” 

She goes to school still, sir ; but one of the select- 
men has promised to have her put into the school as 
teacher next fall.” 


86 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Umph ! ” louder, and more emphatic than before. 

Tell Miss Burchill, when she is ready to apply for that 
position, to come to me.’^ 

He was gone before Mrs. Burchill could recover her 
astonishment sufficiently to thank him. She hurried, 
however, to Mildred, and told what had passed; but, 
instead of that young woman receiving the communica- 
tion with the same surprised pleasure that her mother 
had done, she turned pale, and was silent. 

Well, you are a strange girl,’^ said Mrs. Burchill. 

Here you have been anxious all spring lest Mr. Marsh’s 
influence wouldn’t be enough to get you a teacher’s 
place, and now, when Mr. Robinson, the richest man in 
Eastbury, says of his own accord for you to come to 
him when you’re ready for the place, you haven’t a 
word to say.” 

Perhaps I am strange,” was the low reply, but, 
somehow, I’d rather get the place without Mr. Robin- 
son’s help. However, we’ll see when I have passed my 
examination. And now you go to Mr. Thurston, 
mother ; the doctors expect him to recover consciousness 
presently, and if he does, you may be needed.” 

Thurston did recover consciousness, but it was only 
to rave in fever delirium of the events in which he had 
taken part so recently. 

The ball was extracted successfully, but for days his 
life hung in the balance, and despite the united efforts 
of the two physicians, and the most tender nursing on 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 87 

the part of Mrs. Burchill and her daughter, there seemed 
to be but slight hope of his recovery. 

Tor Miss Balk, she never even inquired about him, 
and to little old Grandfather Burchill’s frequent regrets 
and anxious hopes for the young man’s recovery, all of 
which were expressed without any reserve every time 
he had a hearer, she never vouchsafed a reply. The 
only interest that she took in Gerald’s concerns was to 
go every day to the post-office and inquire for letters for 
him. There were letters alone from Helen, — Miss 
Balk easily recognized the superscription, — and these 
she put carefully away into her own old-fashioned trunk. 

Gerald’s ravings became at last of Helen, and he 
fancied that Mildred was she. With a tenderness that 
frequently brought tears to the eyes of his young nurse, 
he repeated declarations of his love for Helen; Helen 
who, in those same moments, was delightfully receiving 
the attentions of another. In this way Mildred learned 
enough to know that there was an engagement of mar- 
riage between him and Miss Brower, and enough to feel 
that the latter was the object of an unusually strong and 
tender attachment. In her womanly sympathy it seemed 
but right that Miss Brower should be summoned. What 
if he should die, and she who held his heart not near 
him! She shuddered, and she went at once, when 
relieved of her watch by the bedside, to seek Miss Balk. 

That lady was cold and grim as ever, but colder and 
grimmer when apprised of the object of Miss Burchill’s 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


88 

visit. She declined all interference with Miss Brower’s 
affairs. 

But this will not be interfering,” said Mildred, a 
little hotlj, being provoked at the woman’s total want 
of feeling. It will be simply your duty to apprise 
Miss Brower of Mr. Thurston’s serious condition, or 
give me her address, and I will write to her.” 

Miss Balk laughed — a dry, hoarse, short laugh that 
made one long to shut one’s ears against it — and turned 
away. Mildred, indignant, followed. 

Am I to understand. Miss Balk, that you positively 
refuse to do this act of common humanity ? ” 

A'ou are to understand anything you like,” was the 
grim response, and Miss Balk stalked past Miss Burchill 
and out into the garden. 

If Mildred disliked her mother’s strange boarder 
before, and through Christian feelings had struggled to 
conquer that dislike, she had an uncontrollable aversion 
for her henceforth, and nothing but the most stern 
sense of her duty as a Christian, and her love for her 
mother, who still entertained her first strange fear of 
displeasing Barbara, prevented her from showing that 
aversion whenever they met. 

She performed her duties in the sick-room with an 
assiduity all the more tender from the apprehension 
that Gerald would die without once seeing her who 
seemed so dear to him. She knew Miss Brower by 
sight, and she had been impressed for the time by her 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


89 


beauty as everybody else was wont to be, but further 
than that she had never given a thought to the young 
woman ; now, however, her thoughts were frequently of 
Miss Brower, and as more and more there came to be 
disclosed the depths of that love which seemed to be the 
centre of the sick man’s being, she grew impatient and 
angry with Miss Brower herself, questioning in her 
own mind why the latter did not write to some one in 
the house about Gerald ; since they were engaged lovers, 
surely she must wonder at his silence. 

The delirium of the fever ceased at last, and though 
weak as an infant, and still needing the most tender 
care, he was pronounced out of danger. Mildred re- 
signed her place at his bedside, now that he knew those 
about him, and Robinson, who had sent every day to 
learn Gerald’s condition, came himself when apprised 
of the change in the patient. 

He was met on the porch by the physician, who 
begged him not to enter the sick-room, as absolute quiet 
was necessary to prevent a relapse, and the sight of the 
factory owner might bring the thoughts and anxieties 
of the business to the patient’s mind. 

Robinson was disconcerted ; there had been so many 
hitches in his business during Gerald’s sickness, and now 
there were important affairs which must have immediate 
decision, and which decision needed Gerald’s judgment. 
The factory operatives had gone sullenly to work. 
Hogan was still in prison waiting a trial, — on what 


90 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


charge he was at a loss himself to tell, but which the 
wealthy factory owner’s influence had easily secured. 

While Robinson stood in the little porch looking with 
displeased perplexity into the doctor’s face, a poor, 
attenuated, wretchedly clad woman, carrying a puny 
baby, and having by the hand a little emaciated girl, 
entered the garden. She came forward slowly and 
hesitatingly, casting anxious glances about her, as if 
she were desirous of meeting some one to address before 
she reached the house. She saw no one, however, and 
at last looking directly in front of her, her eyes rested 
on Robinson’s tall, spare form. She became intensely 
agitated; her limbs shook convulsively, and her hollow 
cheeks flushed; grasping more tightly the child whose 
hand she held, she quickened her pace. 

Mr. Robinson ! ” 

The factory owner, whose back was to the woman, 
turned as if he was shot at the sound of that unnatural 
voice, it was so deep and heartbroken. The doctor 
also looked with no little surprise. 

For the love of heaven, release my husband from 
prison; they say your word can do it; we’re starving; 
see my children and me, and Dick will die where he is. 
Release him, Mr. Robinson, and we’ll contrive to go 
away, — all of us; we’ll beg our way to some place far 
from here. I tried to see you every day since Dick’s 
arrest, but the servants wouldn’t let me near you.” 

Robinson’s tall form seemed to become taller, he • 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


91 


towered so above the poor, little, wan creature, and his 
hard face seemed to resolve itself into many more hard 
lines than already composed it, while his glittering eyes 
became like steel in their metallic expression. 

Your husband, woman, shall be visited with the 
full penalty of the law.’’ 

His tones were as cold as his face was. 

For a second the woman continued to look at him 
without speaking, — a look as if every vital force within 
her was gathering to hurl some desperate anathema at 
him ; it was like the last, last effort of the wounded wild 
beast. 

May the curse of the heartbroken light upon you ! 
May you be haunted day and night by the presence of 
the dead ! May — ” But there was a hand upon her 
mouth, and an arm around her neck. 

It was Mildred, white and startled. From the open 
window of the parlor, whither she had paused for a 
moment, she heard the first part of the curse, and obey- 
ing the impulse which prompted her to prevent its 
completion she had sprung to Mrs. Hogan’s side, hardly 
conscious until then that there were two other observers 
of her sudden act. 

The physician, more appalled at the woman’s appear- 
ance and her fierce utterance than at the denunciation 
itself, shrank a little, but Kobinson never moved ; only 
an almost imperceptible paleness overspread his fea- 
tures. 


92 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Come into the house/’ whispered Miss Burchill, 
removing her hand from the woman’s mouth; ^^you 
are not yourself now.” 

I am not. May God help me ! Oh, may God for- 
give me for the curse.” 

A flood of tears relieved her, and Mildred, taking 
the puny baby from her, again whispered to her to come 
into the house. She obeyed mechanically, the tears 
still gushing from her eyes, and then the two men looked 
at each other. 

The doctor knew sufficient of Kobinson’s reputation 
for hardness to make him scarcely surprised at the scene 
he had witnessed, hut he was not prepared for the change 
in the factory owner’s countenance. The imperceptible 
paleness had increased, until now his face was livid. 

Surely, Mr. Robinson, you have not been affected 
by that poor creature’s mad words ? ” 

I, sir ? ” and Robinson drew himself up, and 
attempted to assume a careless, contemptuous tone, hut 
his voice was husky, and trembled slightly. He laughed, 
however, and wiping the perspiration from his face said, 
abruptly : 

How soon can I see Mr. Thurston ? ” 

In a day or two, if you promise not to permit him 
to speak of business.” 

My seeing him on such terms would be of no use. 
I must see him on business.” 

The doctor was not a little disgusted. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


93 


Then, Mr. Eobinson, we must shut you out of the 
sick-room for a month yet.’’ 

He has the same careful nursing, I suppose — Miss 
Burchill constantly at his bedside ? ” 

The doctor was again surprised; not so much at the 
interest betrayed in the quality of Thurston’s nursing 
— the man’s selfish anxiety for his own interest would 
make him betray that — as at the tone in which the last 
part of his question was spoken. To the observing 
doctor it seemed to indicate a more than passing interest 
in Miss Burchill. 

Ho,” he answered. How that Mr. Thurston has 
passed through the most imminent crisis, she asked to 
be relieved from the attendance upon him, and at my 
suggestion a professional nurse was summoned, who 
arrived from Boston last night.” 

The factory owner desired no further information, 
and he turned away with a short Good-morning ! ” 
while the physician went up to his patient. 

Within the house Mildred was soothing and minister- 
ing to poor Mrs. Hogan and her little ones, nourish- 
ment such as they had not tasted for days was tenderly 
given to them, and, somewhat refreshed and quieted 
by that gentle kindness, the poor creature was relieving 
herself by detailing her troubles. 

Why didn’t you come here before ? ” asked Miss 
Burchill. ^^We would have given you food, at least.” 

I know it, dear,” she said, but I couldn’t come 


94 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and Mr. Thurston’s death before me; for everybody 
said he would die, and I knowing and Dick knowing 
that it was trying to save him Mr. Thurston got his 
wound. Oh! how I prayed for him to get well; and 
Dick in his prison isn’t like what he was, owing to the 
dread on him of Mr. Thurston’s death. I thought he’d 
be savage, pent up there between the stone walls and 
without us, and knowing we didn’t have a bite in the 
house, but it was on Mr. Thurston most of his' thoughts 
were, and he was so subdued and brooding-like that it 
went through my heart. I thought the sight of myself 
and the children might touch Mr. Robinson. Sure, it’s 
not much that Dick’s in jail for, anyhow, and every 
one told me that it all rested with Mr. Robinson. I 
tried to see him, but he has servants as hard as himself. 
They said they’d set the dogs on me if I came there 
again. If I wasn’t beside myself this morning, I 
wouldn’t have cursed him.” 

Her face blanched, and she rocked herself to and fro 
for a few minutes without speaking. * Then she whis- 
pered, still rocking herself — 

I’m afraid the curse will light on him. I spoke it 

from my heart when I said it, and ” 

Why, this is ridiculous,” interrupted Mildred. 

You only imagine all this because you are weak from 
suffering.” 

Ho, no. Let me tell you ; it will ease my mind. 
From a child I have heard stories how some member 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


95 


of our family in each generation had the power to make 
such a curse as I gave him this morning, come true. 
The dead whose spirits are not at rest do haunt the 
cursed person.’’ 

She seemed like some wraith herself, with her 
emaciated form, her hollow cheeks, transparent skin, 
and large, lustrous eyes, and but for the strong common 
sense that Mildred possessed, and that made her see in 
all this hut the effect of a most ignorant and superstitious 
imagination, she might have been quite strongly im- 
pressed; as it was, she made another effort to remove 
Mrs. Hogan’s thoughts from the unpleasant subject. 
But the woman would uot be quieted ; she must relieve 
her mind. 

I have heard stories,” she continued, where a 
griping landlord at home was cursed by my grand- 
mother, just such a curse as I gave, when he left her 
homeless on the roadside. Years after, when he was a 
tottering old man, he came to the far part of the country 
where she lived to ask her to remove it ; his health and 
his strength had gone, he was so haunted. She tried to 
remove it; she forgave him, and she prayed for him, 
but he had to bear it to the end. And what, oh ! what, 
if the curse I gave this morning should come true ! ” 
Her very lips blanched. I don’t wish it to come true. 
Sure, if Mr. Robinson hilled Dick I wouldn’t he wicked 
enough to curse him; but if he’s haunted, and it’s 
through me ! ” She stopped^ as if beside herself with 


96 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


terror, and it required Miss BurchilFs most soothing 
and at the same time firm, efforts to restore the poor 
creature to any degree of calm. But the woman^s own 
exhaustion came to her aid, and she was induced at last 
to lie down for a little and leave her children, one of 
whom was sleeping, to the tender care of the young girl. 


CHAPTEE XIIL 


Such preparations as could be effected hastily were 
made for Miss BrowePs wedding. The servants re- 
ceived hurried orders, and for a couple of hours the 
house seemed to be full of bustle. In the midst of it 
Helen was summoned to the library to meet Mr. Phillips 
and Mr. Tillotson. There was also another gentleman 
present whom she had never seen before. 

She knew that this was not a summons to the marriage 
ceremony, as that would take place a little later in the 
parlor ; but, for all, she was white and cold as an icicle. 

Tillotson, with true paternal tenderness, hastened to 
her. 

My dearest Helen, your presence here is necessary 
to complete some little detail of business which Mr. 
Phillips desires to have attended to before your mar- 
riage. For that purpose it is necessary to present to 
you Mr. Miller, Mr. Phillips’ lawyer.” 

The strange gentleman, who was standing beside a 
table spread with legal documents, bowed, a courtesy 
which Helen returned as calmly as her violent agitation 
would allow her to do. 

Tillotson resumed: 

7 


97 


98 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


« Mr Phillips^ will has just been drawn up, and it is 
entirely in your favor. There is but one condition 
annexed to it, and to that condition he desires your 
written assent. That you may read and understand the 
condition before you sign such an assent is the object of 
your present summons.” 

Mr. Miller unfolded a paper and presented it to her. 
She pretended to read it, hut there was a film upon her 
eyes, and when the film seemed to clear a great blur 
appeared upon the paper. She could not distinguish a 
letter of the penmanship, and ashamed to declare the 
truth lest her singular emotion must arouse again, as it 
had done already that morning, Mr. Phillips’ surprise 
and displeasure, she feigned to have read it all. 

Are you quite satisfied to sign ? ” asked Tillotson. 

She bowed her head. 

Quite, Helen ? ” interposed Phillips ; you have 
no scruple, no hesitation ? ” 

Again she assented by a motion of her head ; her very 
voice seemed to be frozen within her. 

The pen was placed in her hand by Miller, and she 
signed tremblingly, 

Helen Brower.” 

An hour after and the marriage ceremony was per- 
formed. In making the responses it seemed to her as 
if it were not she who made them, but something 
strangely apart from herself, and when Phillips caught 
her to him, calling her his bride and kissing her 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


99 


passionately, she lay passive and cold in his arms. But 
the ardor of his own affection prevented him from 
attributing her strange demeanor to anything but her 
modesty, which so charmed him. And as the Tillotsons 
were to depart after partaking of a collation to which 
all were immediately summoned, there was little oppor- 
tunity for either him or Helen to yield exclusively to 
singular emotions. 

The wedding feast was over, the Tillotsons gone, and 
Miller was still in the library looking over legal docu- 
ments, Phillips and his bride were in the great state 
parlor, from which the latter was about to ascend to 
change her dress for a drive. As her responses had 
seemed to her a couple of hours before, so now did her 
own individuality seem singular and utterly unfamiliar. 
She wondered at her strange self-possession, more like 
the apathy that sometimes precedes severe illness, and 
she mentally asked herself if ever again she would be 
that Helen who seemed to have gone so suddenly and 
so completely. 

She had turned from the parlor to go to her room, and 
she had reached the door when her husband called her. 
He extended his arms. She came towards them slowly, 
as if leaden weights were attached to her feet, but she 
reached them at last, and he caught her to him passion- 
ately. 

You seem cold, my little Helen,^^ he said, looking 
down into her face as her head lay back upon his arm, 


100 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


but this day’s sudden excitement has taxed you too 
much. To-morrow you will he different; then shall I 
find myself, ^ even as I love, loved am I.’ ” 

A slender gold chain glistened above the rufile at her 
throat ; his finger came into playful contact with it, and 
in a moment the locket that was attached to it sprang 
into sight. 

She started up, seized the locket with both hands. 

N^ay, my little Helen; wives must have no secrets 
from their husbands, and I must see if it is my picture 
you guard so preciously.” 

With difficulty she repressed a shriek, while she 
clasped the locket with all her strength. 

Veiling under a playfulness, that he was now far 
from feeling, his determination to see the interior of 
the locket, he gently, but with a firmness of touch against 
which her strength availed nothing, disengaged it from 
her grasp, and while he continued to hold her firmly 
with one hand, with the other he pressed the spring. 
It flew open, and revealed Gerald Thurston’s face. 

With a cry so savage that it rang in her ears for days 
after, he threw her from him, breaking in the violence 
of the act the chain of the locket, and leaving the latter 
still open in his hand. 

What is this man to you ? ” he thundered. Speak, 
woman ! and tell how you have come to wear his picture 
in your bosom ! ” 

Paralyzed from terror, she was lying as she had fallen 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 101 

when he threw her — prone on the floor. He lifted her 
to the divan. 

Speak ! ’’ he thundered again. 

He seemed transformed, the veins in his forehead 
swollen from rage, his eyes flaming at her. 

Terror forced the truth from her : 

I was engaged to him.” 

Engaged to him when you married me ? ” 

Yes.” 

Are you woman or devil ? Go ! ” He pointed to 
the door ; then, without waiting for her to obey, he strode 
to the bell and pulled it violently. 

She dragged herself up from the divan; her only 
desire was to hide herself from this infuriated man, — 
to hide from herself if she could, — and she tried to 
hurry from the room; hut before she could succeed 
there was a heavy fall behind her, a hoarse, unnatural 
cry, and she turned to find Phillips in a convulsion on 
the floor. Her screams hastened the steps of the terri- 
fied servant, who was already hastening to answer the 
bell, and brought Miller from the library. 

The struggling man was tenderly borne to bed, phy- 
sicians summoned, all by Miller’s directions, who, in 
the absence of any one else, assumed control, and who 
gave his orders in a firm, self-possessed manner that 
did much to quiet the excited servants and to restore 
something like calm to the bride herself. She had been 
sobbing hysterically, with neither power nor desire to 


102 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


move from the spot where her husband had fallen, not 
even to follow him to the apartment to which he had 
been borne. Miller, seeing that, deemed it best that she 
should go to her own room. He induced her to accom- 
pany her maid, promising to summon her as soon as there 
was any change in her husband’s condition. In her 
room, Jennie, the kind-hearted maid, could think of no 
better remedy for her hysterical young mistress than 
a sleeping cordial, and this she offered, urging respect- 
fully its salutary effects. Helen took it mechanically, 
and almost at once fell into a deep slumber. 

Phillips, under the united efforts of two skilful 
physicians, recovered from his spasms, and after an 
hour or more of deathlike unconsciousness, rallied suf- 
ficiently to attempt to speak; but he could make only 
unintelligible sounds. It was to Miller he turned, and 
to him he seemed to wish to make some communica- 
tion. 

The lawyer interpreted it to mean the presence of 
Mrs. Phillips, and he mentioned her name, saying he 
would send for her. But the sick man shook his head, 
and again mumbled the painfully indistinct utterances. 
The lawyer was troubled; evidently there was some 
matter of moment on the patient’s mind; even the 
physicians seemed to think that, and to think also 
that, unless his mind could be relieved, his ultimate 
recovery, of which, as it was, they entertained but 
slight hope, would be materially retarded. So they 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


103 


assisted Miller’s efforts to understand the patient, while 
he, grown wildly eager to make himself understood, 
seemed to acquire unnatural strength. He raised him- 
self in the bed, and wrote in the air with his finger. 

Give him a pen,” said Miller ; he may be able to 
make some character that will guide me.” 

The sick man’s eyes brightened, and he clutched the 
pen filled with ink which was placed in his hand, not 
holding it in the customary way, but winding all his 
fingers about it as one who had never held a pen before 
might do. 

The physician supported him, and the lawyer assisted 
his hand as it moved feebly over the paper. Great 
scrawly letters appeared and only the words send for ” 
could be deciphered. In vain Miller tried to construe 
some name out of the succeeding strange, trembling, 
twisted characters ; he could make nothing of them, and, 
with a great hopeless sigh, Phillips fell back on his 
pillow and turned his face to the wall. But the lawyer 
would not yet give up ; he thought of Phillips’ friends, 
and conceived the idea of repeating the names of each 
in turn. As if the patient understood the object of the 
speech, at the sound of the first name, he turned to 
him, and his whole face brightened. But he shook his 
head, — shook it when Tillotson and many more names 
were mentioned, and the lawyer’s list was almost 
exhausted, and the poor sufferer’s eyes, fastened on the 
lawyer’s face, were more painfully eager. As a forlorn 


104 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


hope, he thought of one name, — the name of a man who 
was formerly Phillips’ business executor. He men- 
tioned it. There was a cry from the patient, a great 
glad cry, as if the shock had given power to his para- 
lyzed tongue. He repeated twice : 

Send for him.” 

And then he relapsed into utter unconsciousness, 
while a messenger was dispatched for the man named. 

Mrs. Phillips was still heavily slumbering, with faith- 
ful Jennie watching by her bedside, — too heavily slum- 
bering to dream even of the dread and exciting events 
which must forever mark that day in her life. The 
evening came, and still she slept, while Jennie listened 
to the unusual sounds which suddenly reached her from 
below. Everything had been so quiet, but now there was 
the opening and shutting of doors, and the sound of 
many hurried feet through the marble hall. She started 
up to hear more distinctly ; at that moment her mistress 
awoke. Eor an instant she gazed about her in a bewil- 
dered way, then her eye fell on the broken chain that 
still hung from the ruffle of her dress, and raising her 
hand she felt the unaccustomed pressure of her wedding 
ring. It all came back. 

Oh, that I were dead ! ” 

She turned her face to the pillow, and the couch 
shook from her sobs. 

Jennie wept in sympathy, but through her tears 
attempted to comfort her mistress. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


105 


There was a hurried knock at the door; it was a 
servant sent to summon Mrs. Phillips to her husband. 

She rose, motioning away the woman who would have 
assisted her, and, waiting only to wrap about her the 
shawl that had been put over while she slept, she 
descended to her husband. Miller met her at the door of 
the room and led her gently in. There seemed to be a 
group of men about the bed, a group that stood aside 
to make respectful way for her, but a group that at the 
same time seemed to make some strange signal to 
Miller. He stopped short on perceiving it, and gave a 
terrified look at the little figure hy his side. 

Then he bent to her, and said, softly, — 

Your husband is dead, Mrs. Phillips.^’ 

Dead ’’ she repeated, looking at him, and then she 
looked at the group of men a step beyond, repeating 
again, in a vague way, Dead ! ” 

Hot a heart there save one, but ached for her ; she was 
so young, so fair, and she seemed so stunned by this great 
blow. One of the doctors, fearing serious consequences, 
hastened to her, but she seemed to be calm, and, going 
forward of her own accord, she stood by the great state 
bed on which reposed the lifeless remains of her 
husband. 

Heither death, nor the passions that had so torn his 
soul prior to the dread visitation, had left one unsightly 
trace on his handsome features; he looked as calm as 
though he were but lightly slumbering. And she, his 


106 reaping the whirlwind. 

wife, who stood looking down at him with hands locked 
so tightly together that the nails seemed to be cutting 
into the flesh, of what were her thoughts ? Of him whose 
death lay at her door? !N^o; but of Gerald Thurston, 
and with a gasping cry she threw herself forward, and 
fainted on the corpse. 


CHAPTEE XIV. 


Mrs. Phillips was borne to her room, and the phy- 
sicians who had sought to relieve her husband now 
directed their efforts to her restoration. 

Miller was inditing a third telegram to Tillotson, 
though he did not expect any of them to be in the hand 
of that gentleman before a late hour the next day. And 
as he wrote, another man, small in stature and nervous 
in movement, but with a keen, intelligent face, was 
pacing the room. He seemed impatiently waiting an 
opportunity to speak, and as soon as the last word of the 
dispatch was penned, he began with nervous eagerness : 

You refuse to believe then, what I have told you, in 
spite of all that you yourself have told me of Phillips’ 
extraordinary efforts to make you comprehend that he 
wished to see me ; in spite of what I have told you of his 
private communication to me when I came ; and in spite 
also of the statement of both physicians who were hur- 
riedly summoned to be witnesses of his last desire ? ” 
Understand me,” replied Miller; I believe it all, 
but only as the vagary of a man stricken down suddenly 
as he was; his power of speech, regained so singularly 
the moment he saw you, his desire to speak privately to 
J07 


108 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


you, and his singular loss of speech again when you 
summoned the physicians to bear witness to his last 
wish, all only confirm me in the opinion that the man^s 
mind was wrought upon by his disease. Even the 
doctors themselves lean more or less to that opinion, 
and, contest the will on what grounds you choose, you 
certainly will be defeated.’’ 

Nevertheless, I shall contest it for the sake of right 
and justice.” 

And what of Mrs. Phillips ? She is so young, and 
poor, I believe, as regards any fortune of her own, and 
utterly without friends, so far as I can learn, except the 
Tillotsons.” 

Miller’s face bore testimony to his sympathy. 

The other man seemed neither to feel nor to approve 
of the sympathy. 

Mrs. Phillips ! ” he repeated, in a tone of disgust ; 

but enough of her until the case is prepared.” 

An answer came at last to Miller’s telegrams, an 
answer from Tillotson, empowering and begging the 
lawyer to assume full charge, and to do everything that 
his judgment dictated as neither he nor Mrs. Tillotson 
could leave the bedside of their daughters, on one of 
whom the effect of the accident, thought to be so light at 
first, now threatened to prove very serious. Regarding 
Mrs. Phillips, she was left to her own choice, either to 
join the Tillotsons, return to Eastbury, or continue in 
her present home, Mrs. Phillips, however, was too ill 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


109 


to be consulted upon any matter. The physicians said 
she was threatened with brain fever, and urged that 
every arrangement for the funeral be made in the quiet- 
est manner, that no undue excitement in the house 
might reach her, to arouse her to a remembrance of her 
recent terrible shock. So the still form below stairs was 
laid quietly away without even one parting look from 
her who had been so faithless to the living, and who 
was now so insensible to the dead. 

Brain fever, however, did not ensue, and a week after 
her husband’s funeral Mrs. Phillips was sufficiently 
recovered to reason in her own way upon the eventful 
turns which her life had taken. 

The husband whom she had not loved was quietly in 
his grave, his vast fortune her own, — had she not an 
assurance on the day of her wedding that his latest will 
was in her favor, — and she herself was free as ever to 
love Gerald. But would Gerald continue to love her 
when he knew what had happened? Would all the 
wealth with which she intended to enrich him cover in 
his eyes what she had done, — he who had such love for 
truth and honor? Her white cheeks became whiter 
still, and her head began to throb. She loved him more 
passionately than she had ever done, and she would 
gladly have yielded all her suddenly acquired, and it 
may be added, ill-gotten wealth, to be again fortune- 
less Helen Brower. Her maid entered with letters for 
her; she grasped them tremblingly, giving a little glad 


110 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


cry when she recognized Gerald’s penmanship in the 
superscription of one : it had been so long since a letter 
came from him. 

He could not write much, he said, being still so weak 
from illness that he was permitted to sit up only a brief 
while each day. He would not tell her until they met 
what had been the cause of his illness. But oh, 
Helen ! ” the letter ran, sharper than all my bodily suf- 
fering is the thought that you have not written to me 
once during my illness. Mrs. Burchill said no letters 
came for me. If your affection for me was such as mine 
is for you, my very silence during all these weeks would 
have brought you to me. You knew that I would not be 
silent unless my fingers were rendered powerless by 
sickness or death. But perhaps you too were ill, my 
darling ; I cannot believe that anything else would keep 
you silent. But come to me now, Helen; my soul is 
crying for you. Come 1 Come ! ” 

She sobbed over the letter, much to her maid’s sur- 
prise, and yet much also to her delight, for she felt that 
her young mistress would be relieved by this outburst 
of emotion. Her mistress wanting to be alone, bade her 
leave the room for a little; then she kissed the letter, 
and put it into her bosom, where Gerald’s picture used 
to repose. 

Yes, I will go to him,” she said ; go to him at 
once, before he learns from any lips but mine what has 
happened^ and whep he kno^s how I was fasciiiated into 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Ill 


that marriage, and how true mj heart was to him all the 
time, he will forgive me. But why need I tell him until 
after our marriage ? Since he has not learned it yet, 
if I am very careful not to reveal it myself, he need not 
know until then, and of course he will be as eager for 
our marriage when we meet as he was when we parted. 
But Barbara Balk : what if she already knows, or if she 
should learn about it ? ” 

Her eyes fell on the other letter lying in her lap. 
She opened it; it was an indignant missive from Bar- 
bara. What did Helen mean by omitting her accus- 
tomed letter ? Only for her promise not to molest Miss 
Brower for a year, she would have presented herself at 
the house of the Tillotsons before now. 

Perhaps you will say you were sick,’’ the letter 
continued ; but an illness made up to free you from 
any engagement to me shall recoil with such a blow upon 
your own head that you’ll wish you were in your coffin 
sooner.” 

Mrs. Phillips ground her teeth with suppressed rage. 
But, after all, the letter assured her of Miss Balk’s 
ignorance of her marriage, and she was confident now of 
being able, if she returned immediately to Eastbury, to 
preserve secrecy on that subject until after her marriage 
to Gerald. 

Phillips’ dead face as she had seen it the first and 
only time rose before her as if in ghastly censure, 
and she shuddered visibly. In an instant, however 


112 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


she had forced it back, mentally congratulating her- 
self that she had only seen him once after his death. 
Did she feel that her conscience was charged with his 
death ? Did she attribute his spasms to the shock which 
the discovery of her duplicity had given him ? If she 
did, it was overpowered by her thankfulness to the fate 
which had made her free to wed Gerald Thurston, and 
she drew forward her writing materials and penned to 
Gerald a letter of most passionate attachment. Of 
course she told him of her illness, dwelling upon it in 
the pathetic fashion which she knew would touch his 
heart, and ascribing to it her long silence, though at the 
same time telling him of the letters which she had 
previously written, and to which she had received no 
answer. She had not thought him ill, because in that 
case she supposed Miss Balk would have mentioned it ; 
she did not tell him how innocent of his name were her 
letters to Miss Balk. And then she assured him of her 
speedy return; within the week she would be in East- 
bury. 

To Miss Balk also, she penned an epistle detailing 
her illness, and promising a speedy return, in anticipa- 
tion of which she wished Barbara to have the little 
country house that had been their home somewhat 
renovated. 

But Mrs. Phillips was not to return to Eastbury as 
speedily as she wished to do. Miller, on being informed 
of her determination, told her of some details of busi- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


113 


ness necessary to be settled before she could be put into 
possession of any of the vast fortune left to her by her 
husband, and of the necessity of her presence in order 
to effect such a settlement; consequently, he advised 
a postponement of her return to Eastbury for the pres- 
ent. She knew too little of business to wonder at such a 
statement, and she felt too confident of her husband’s 
arrangements in her behalf to feel the slightest alarm 
or doubt. She did not even divine from Mr. Miller’s 
somewhat hesitating and uncertain manner that he was 
seeking to conceal from her the actual truth. Being a 
tender-hearted man and an affectionate father, the 
lawyer could not bear yet to distress Mrs. Phillips with 
the fact that her husband’s will was about to be con- 
tested, and that she herself would have to appear in 
court. He suggested that some of her Eastbury friends 
be summoned to bear her company; but she shook her 
head in an artless way, assuring him that none of them 
could come; then he advised the presence of some of 
the women friends of the Tillotsons, with whom 
Helen had become quite well acquainted during her 
stay in the city ; but again Mrs. Phillips shook her head, 
and said that she could not bear the thought of any 
companion just yet. She was sufficiently cared for by 
her maid and the housekeeper, and indeed, all the 
servants had shown an unexpected solicitude for her. 

This she said with so touching and pretty an air, 
looking up into the lawyer’s face with all the artlessness 
8 


114 : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


of a confiding child, that he was more bound to her cause 
than ever, and more desirous of sparing her pain or 
annoyance. 

The lawyer left her, and she wrote again to Gerald 
and Barbara. Her ready wits easily found an excuse 
for her unexpected detention in the accident to the Til- 
lotson girls which had called their parents so hastily 
away ; their hurried departure made it necessary for her 
to postpone her own going for the present. She was glad 
that she had not mentioned the accident in her last 
letter, for she could turn it to such good account now by 
pretending that it was of extremely recent date. 


CHAPTEK XV. 


Mrs. Phillips’ last two letters reached Thurston in 
such quick succession — Miss Balk for some secret mo- 
tive, not having appropriated them as she had done their 
immediate predecessors — that his reply to the first 
became also an answer to the second. In it he deplored 
the cruel necessity of her absence, but he gave so glowing 
an account of the beneficial effect of her letters upon 
his health that she cried tears of rapture as she read. 

They wrote to each other every day now, and while 
Mrs. Phillips assumed a most touching melancholy, and 
even an air of feeble health before Miller, who in his 
office of her guardian kindly visited her every day, she 
had no difficulty when alone in putting out of her coun- 
tenance and out of her heart every vestige of grief. 
Indeed, she was sometimes wildly happy at the prospect 
of enriching Gerald. She had now not the slightest 
doubt of being able to win his forgiveness, having in 
his letters such strong proofs of his ardent love, could 
she but keep her marriage to Phillips secret until she 
became Mrs. Thurston. Of his forgiveness in the event 
of telling him before the marriage she had very grave 
doubts. 


115 


116 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


On the plea of feeble health she refused to see a 
single one of the friends of the Tillotsons who called to 
proffer their condolence j she steadily refused to go out 
even for the brief drive which the physician advised for 
her health, because she would be expected to put on 
widow’s weeds; and she even contemplated, when she 
could fix the day of her return to Eastbury, going 
quietly and secretly, so that she might be spared the 
necessity of wearing the same solemn costume. That, 
of course, would tell the shocking story at once to all 
Eastbury. 

Gerald’s letters began to hint at some delightful 
mystery. Do you remember,” one of them ran, my 
telling you of a great hope which might one day be 
fulfilled ? Well, the fulfillment seems strangely near, — 
so near that it takes my breath away to think of it, and 
then, my little Helen, all your pride shall be gratified.” 

Her eyes glistened and her cheeks fiushed over such 
letters as these, and she became so impatient to return 
that only Mr. Miller’s assurance of a very few days more 
being necessary to decide matters could win from her a 
promise to remain. 

A long and affectionate letter had come from the 
Tillotsons, every member of the family penning some 
fond and sympathizing words, but announcing an indefi- 
nite postponement of their return. Annette, who had 
been the more severely injured by the accident, was 
threatened with a life paralysis of the lower limbs, and 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


117 


in view of the operation advised by several leading phy- 
sicians, the family had decided that they would remain 
with her. 

Helen was answering this letter when Miller called 
to make his daily visit. She looked very pale from her 
long and close confinement, and, maintaining the grief- 
stricken air which she was careful to assume before 
entering his presence, the tender-hearted man found it 
most difficult to make some evidently disagreeable com- 
munication. 

“ My dear Mrs. Phillips,’^ he began at length, when 
his kind inquiries for her health were languidly 
answered, do you think you would have sufficient 
strength to appear in court to-morrow ? ” 

Helen recoiled, and, startled out of her languidness, 
exclaimed, In court ! Why should 1 have to appear 
in court ? ” 

Miller pretended to he amused: 

My dear Mrs. Phillips, one would think you had 
been asked to do some dreadful thing. It is only the 
matter of your presence in the court for a very short 
time. You will be treated with the most flattering 
respect and delicacy.” 

But why must I appear there at all ? ” interrupted 
Helen, too impatient to wait for the diplomatic explana- 
tion Miller sought to make. 

The lawyer coughed in order to gain a little time: 

My dear Mrs. Phillips, there is just a little trouble 


118 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


about your husband’s will. Some one who, in a former 
will, was named as Mr. Phillips’ heir, is seeking to 
invalidate his will in your favor ; but he has a poor case, 
a poor case,” lowering his voice as if he were speaking to 
himself, and it will be necessary for you to go upon 
the witness stand a few moments, and testify to the last 
words spoken to you by your husband.” 

Mrs. Phillips gasped. 

The last words of her husband to her ! They had been 
burned in her brain at the time, and for days after the 
lips which had uttered them were stilled they had rung 
in her ears like a knell of some fearful doom. Must she 
repeat those words on a witness stand, — must she depict, 
for the delectation of a public court, that last dreadful 
scene, in which her husband sank beneath the shock of 
her infamous duplicity? Her head reeled, and she 
sank helplessly back on the cushions of the sofa. Miller, 
thinking she had fainted, was about to ring for help, 
but she opened her eyes and called him before he reached 
the bell. 

He was bending over her immediately : 

My dear Mrs. Phillips, I blame myself for telling 
you so abruptly ; but your sensitiveness exaggerates this 
matter. It will really be very little; simply to show 
that your relations with each other were of the fondest 
character up to the last.” 

Helen shuddered. 

What if I do not appear ? ” she said ; what if I 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


119 


consent to let this claimant, whoever the party may be, 
contest and win the case ? I have lived without my 
husband’s wealth ; I can do so still.” 

Miller looked very grave: 

My dear Mrs. Phillips, such a course would be 
most unwise; besides, the law, in order to do justice, 
might compel you to appear. Preparations have been 
made for your testimony to be taken to-morrow, but 
if you feel too ill to give it, it can be deferred. How- 
ever, my dear Mrs. Phillips, I would advise you, if 
possible, to have this unpleasant duty over at once. I 
do not think your presence will be required after to- 
morrow. May I call for you in the morning ? ” 

Her mind was rapidly working. Did she persist in 
her refusal, did she even return immediately to East- 
bury, such a course might entail a most unpleasant 
exposure of all that she wished to conceal; since, as 
Miller had said, the law might compel her to appear, it 
might then summon her from Eastbury in no pleasant 
manner. 

She looked up and answered quickly; 

Thank you, Mr. Miller ; I shall be ready in the 
morning.” He seemed relieved, and seeing that she 
appeared too wearied to talk further, he took his 
departure. 

So Mrs. Phillips had to appear in widow’s weeds at 
last; but they were exquisitely becoming, and, even 
despite of an ominous dread and anxiety which had 


120 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


caused her slumber during the night to he short and 
fitful, she felt a throb of delighted vanity as she looked 
at herself in the glass. Her very pallor but made her 
more interestingly beautiful, and her vridow’s cap, cover- 
ing, though it did not entirely conceal, her beautiful 
hair, surrounded features so perfectly modelled that the 
gaze must indeed be dull which did not linger upon her 
with intense admiration. Mr. Miller brought his own 
carriage for her, and her maid accompanied her. As the 
lawyer had said, she was treated with the most delicate 
courtesy, assigned a private room until the very moment 
in which it should be necessary to give her testimony, 
and then she was escorted to the witness-stand by 
Miller himself. She was politely requested to remove 
her veil; she did so, and the blush that suffused her 
cheeks made her transcendently lovely ; a buzz of admi- 
ration went through the crowded court-room, and the 
people jostled each other in their efforts to obtain a 
view of her. 

Being duly sworn, she deposed to the fact of her 
amicable relations with her husband to the very moment 
of his illness. She had but left his arms to go to her 
room for the purpose of changing her dress, and had 
reached the door when she heard him fall. That was 
all; and all the questions and counter questions of 
opposing counsel elicited not one syllable of the actual 
truth; she had perjured herself as remorselessly as she 
had broken her plighted troth to Thurston. She had 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


121 


been conscious while she was speaking of some bustle 
in her rear, of efforts being made to keep some one 
quiet; but just as she had finished speaking, and was 
about to draw her heavy crape veil over her face, some 
one, as if by main force, rushed in her direction, — some 
one who, with a single bound, seemed to clear the space 
immediately in front of her, and who stood with out- 
stretched arms in passionate denunciation: 

Helen Brower, are you my father^ s widow f ” It 
was Gerald Thurston. Like an apparition he stood 
there, white as a ghost from his recent illness, but with 
eyes that flamed at her as Phillips’ had done in that last 
terrible scene. Like a flash the peculiar something 
about Phillips which at times had puzzled her by its 
strange resemblance came to her now ; it bore conviction 
as strong as Gerald’s words, and with a wild cry, that 
startled anew the already wildly excited people, she 
fell at Gerald’s feet 


CHAPTEE XVL 


Mrs. Phillips^ swoon seemed so deep that it was 
deemed expedient to bear her home as speedily as 
possible; in her own room then, she opened her eyes 
for the first time since they had closed on their last 
dreadful sight of Thurston. She screamed at the 
horrified remembrance. The scream brought Jennie 
to her. 

Thank God that you have come to at last ! was 
the exclamation of the faithful maid; and, in the glow 
of her own satisfaction at the event, she proceeded to 
tell of Mr. Miller^s alarm, his telegram to the physician, 
who was momentarily expected, and the excitement and 
concern of the whole court; the lawyers anxiety kept 
him still in the house awaiting the arrival of the doctor. 

Tell him he need not wait,’’ said Helen, sitting up 
in the bed ; but no ; I shall see him myself.” 

Eegardless of the expostulations or entreaties of 
Jennie, who feared the inadequacy of her mistress’s 
strength for such an exertion, she rose, and hardly suf- 
fering, in her impatience, Jennie’s assistance to arrange 
her loosened attire, she descended to the room where 
Miller anxiously and nervously waited. 

122 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


123 


He was startled by her entrance, and still more 
startled when he saw the expression of her face, it was 
so hard and determined. 

Tell me,’’ she said abruptly, all that you know 
about this claimant to Mr. Phillips’ property.” 

Swayed still by that influence which her youth, 
beauty, and apparent artlessness had acquired over him, 
he cast about him for some means of softening the reci- 
tal he had to make: despite what he had at last been 
forced to believe of her, he would still spare her. She 
seemed to divine his thoughts. 

Please speak to me very frankly,” she said, with 
the same abruptness which she had used before, but with 
a tone of determination that at any other time would 
have seemed impossible to accredit to her; and sinking 
into a chair she fixed her eyes full upon his face. 

He did not preface his communication this time with 
his usual My dear Mrs. Phillips ; ” instead, he said, 
hurriedly. 

This claimant to Mr. Phillips’ property is Mr. 
Phillips’ own and only son. Mr. Phillips’ name was 
Thurston; it only became Phillips some years since, 
when in order to possess a fortune bequeathed to him, 
he was obliged to have his name changed by law to 
Phillips. Being a widower, his son was his only heir, 
and to guard against all contingencies a will was made 
entirely in the son’s favor. But they quarreled, desper- 
ately quarreled; it so angered the father, who had an 


l^dl 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


implacable temper when aroused, that he entirely dis- 
owned his son. They parted, hut the shock told so 
fearfully upon Mr. Phillips that it developed an affec- 
tion of the heart which the physician said might prove 
fatal any moment. He went abroad, met the Tillotsons, 
and after, through them, met you. Though continuing 
so angry with his son that he would make no overtures 
towards a reconciliation, he must still have had some 
hope of receiving such from him, for he commissioned 
Mr. Kodney, who was at that time his lawyer, to keep 
advised of young Mr. Thurston^s whereabouts. Kodney 
did so; but when he would speak of the young man, 
since he could bear no plea for pardon from him, the 
father refused to listen. At length, when angered 
anew by this seeming stubbornness on the part of the 
young man, he met you, he resolved to marry you that 
he might revoke his will in favor of his son, which as 
yet had remained unaltered. With all these facts Mr. 
Tillotson was thoroughly acquainted, but neither he nor 
Mr. Phillips thought it necessary to tell them to you, 
since by his utter cutting off of his son it was hardly 
probable you would ever meet him, and the very men- 
tion of his name had grown to be intolerable to Mr. 
Phillips. He had, however, appended a condition to his 
will : that condition you read just before your marriage.’’ 

I read it, but I was too excited to understand it,” 
interposed Helen; tell it to me now.” 

Miller paused and looked at her; possibly he was 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


125 


beginning to see under the lovely surface, and to dis- 
cover interior things which were not so beautiful. 

If you read it at all, Mrs. Phillips,’’ he resumed, 
it was very easy for you to understand it. It was 
simply that you were never on any pretense, or for any 
necessity, to give one cent of what Mr. Phillips should 
bequeath to you to Gerald Thurston; it did not state 
that the latter was his son, it simply mentioned the 
name.” 

A faint Oh ! ” which she was unable to repress, 
escaped Helen’s lips, and her face colored for an 
instant. 

The lawyer resumed: 

You signed the paper which contained that con- 
dition, Mrs. Phillips, and your marriage took place. 
What occurred between that and the moment that your 
husband was stricken down lies between your own 
heart and God. He, in an interval of speechless con- 
sciousness, contrived to make us understand that he 
wished Rodney sent for, and when Rodney arrived Mr. 
Phillips was able with some difficulty to speak. He 
desired to be alone with him. We accordingly withdrew, 
I going to the library, the physicians remaining within 
call. In a few minutes they were hastily summoned, 
to find the dying man again making attempts to speak. 
He contrived at last to ejaculate some words which were 
to the effect that he wanted his first will to remain, — 
his will in favor of his son. He was unable to make any 


126 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


signature to that effect; and, while I was summoned 
from the library, you also were summoned to him, — 
not by his request, however. I met you at the door, 
you remember, but those about the bed signalled to me 
that he had just departed. Mr. Eodney communicated 
to me the subject of his private conference with Mr. 
Phillips, and, though Eodney was himself convinced of 
the truth of the communication, I believed it to be the 
vagary of a dying man, or, if even it were partly true, 
that there must have been vastly extenuating circum- 
stances. The physicians also, on hearing his story, 
declared that it could not stand in court, for the mind 
of the deceased was affected. However, Mr. Eodney, 
who is strongly attached to young Thurston, determined 
to contest the will. I should have told you all this 
before, Mrs. Phillips, but your feeble state of health 
made me hesitate to do so. How, however, you know 
all the facts.’’ 

She rose, her lips quivering, her eyes full : 

Oh, if I had known before that it was Mr. Phillips’ 
son I was debarring from his fortune ! But I shall no 
longer do so ; I could not be so cruel. From this moment 
I waive every title of mine to Mr. Phillips’ wealth.” 

She was sobbing uncontrollably. Much of Miller’s 
old regard for her was restored. He could not remain 
stoical in the face of such distress, and he said, softly : 

The law will be obliged to decide the case now, Mrs. 
Phillips, and the chances are all in your favor.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


127 


Anxious to end the interview, the lawyer rang to 
know if the doctor had arrived ; he was at that moment 
entering the house, and, futile as Helen felt his skill 
would be in her case, she was forced, for appearance 
sake, to see him. So preoccupied and wretched were 
her thoughts, however, that she scarcely heard what he 
said, and she gave such wrong and confusing answers 
to his questions that the physician ordered her to bed 
at once, and the administering of a soothing opiate, or 
he would not answer for her sanity. Confident that 
his order would be obeyed, he left to attend to other 
professional duties. But Mrs. Phillips was in too 
excited a state, and too madly anxious to seek some 
opening out of the dreary way she had made for herself, 
to think of following the doctor^s directions. Impa- 
tiently repelling all attempts to make her do as he had 
ordered, she wandered miserably from room to room, 
now deciding on one course of action, then on another, 
again on a third, and finally rejecting all. 

In the midst of her aimless wanderings a loud, 
sharp ring at the hall door startled her; everything 
startled her now, and she waited with her hands pressed 
to her heart, while the summons was answered. 

In a few minutes a card was brought to her. Her 
eyes distended as she read the name, and, regardless of 
those proprieties of which a short time before she was 
so careful in the presence of the servants, she dashed 
past the man and down to the parlor, where the sender 
of the card waited. 


128 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Gerald, Gerald ! She fled to him, kneeling at his 
feet, and crying as if her heart would burst. 

But that stern presence recoiled: 

I have called, madam, to know if you have any 
explanation to make of your heartless conduct.” 

Could that be the lover she had left five brief months 
ago — that tall, stern, determined man. His arms were 
folded upon his breast, as if by that very attitude he 
would show her how completely she was shut out of his 
heart. Hot a muscle of his face indicated pity or 
softening. 

When you have heard all,” she gasped, you will 
forgive me.” 

But there was no appearance of any feeling save 
relentless determination in that stern face above her. 

Still on her knees, she raised her clasped hands to 
him, and told him with a voice broken by sobs of the 
successive steps by which her vanity and her weakness 
brought her at last to break her troth. 

He interrupted her: 

And you were so far lost to all womanly honor as 
to pen me such letters as these” — drawing from his 
bosom a packet of her own recent letters, which she too 
well recognized — at the very moment that you were 
accepting the attentions of another ; so far sunk in the 
basest of deceit as to conceal from me the fact that you 
had become a wife and a widow ? Oh, Helen ! Helen ! ” 

For the instant that he was pronouncing her name 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


129 


his voice changed to a bitter heart crj, and he turned 
his back to her and walked to the other end of the room. 
She followed him: 

Oh, Gerald, I have wronged you, but I have broken 
my own heart ! ” 

Y our heart ! ” He turned to her almost fiercely. 

If it were but your own heart you have broken, 
madam, the loss might not be irreparable ; but you have 
broken my father’s heart; your duplicity was the shock 
which sent him to his grave. Tell me,” in his eagerness 
bending slightly towards her, ^^what passed between 
you at the last when he saw that it was my picture you 
wore ? ” 

Anxious alone to conciliate Gerald, and deeming a 
frank avowal of everything to be the best and perhaps 
the only plan since she was surrounded by such unfor- 
tunate circumstances, she told him of those last dreadful 
moments with her husband: his accidental discovery 
of the locket, his violence in opening it, his exclamation, 
and his subsequent treatment of herself. 

And all this occurred when ? ” Gerald asked. 

Just before he fell in the fit which preceded his 
death ; ” she answered. 

And yet you testified in court to his affection for 
you up the very last moment of his consciousness of 
your presence. Have you then, madam, added per- 
jury to your deceit ? ” 

She sank again at his feet with a gasping cry: 

9 


130 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Oh, Gerald, have pity on me, I am so miserable.” 

He strode from her, then, turning to fling the packet 
of her letters at her feet, he said, with an appalling 
calmness : 

I have forced myself to do you the justice of hear- 
ing your explanation, if you had any to make; that 
explanation has but sunk you deeper in my scorn and 
loathing. As the widow of my poor deceived father you 
may enjoy the wealth he has left you: I shall cease to 
press my claim to it, and may you be as happy, madam, 
as the memory of the many wrongs you have inflicted 
upon others will allow you to be.” 

Neither shall I press my claim to the property,” 
burst out Helen. ^Mt is yours, Gerald ; it shall be 
yours, whether it comes to me or not.” 

You forget. Should it prove to be yours by right 
of law it will be out of your power to bestow one cent of 
it on the person you have named.” 

He turned to depart, but she had flung herself 
between him and the door: 

Say that you forgive me before you go ; say that in 
the future we may meet as friends.” 

Never!” 

It was not easy to mistake the determination of that 
single, low-spoken word, — not easy to misinterpret that 
resolute attitude as he waited to be allowed to pass out. 

Oh, Gerald I my heart is at your feet ; trample on it 
if you will^ only say that you will sometime forgive 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


131 


me ; that sometime, even in the distant future, you will 
be my friend.” 

You have trampled on my heart, madam,” — she 
could not but notice how studiously he avoided calling 
her by her marriage name, — and while I would advise 
you to appeal to heaven for forgiveness, for myself I 
can only say that whenever we meet in future it must 
be as utter strangers.” 

He put her aside, regardless of her frantic entreaties 
to be heard once more, and hurried from the house. 


CHAPTEB XVIL 


You have had an interview with her ? ” 

The speaker was Eodney, the former business execu- 
tor of the late Mr. Phillips, and the person whom that 
gentleman had summoned under strange circumstances 
to his deathbed. The party addressed was Thurston, 
and the same nervousness which had marked Rodney’s 
manner when speaking to Miller in the house of the 
Tillotsons characterized him now. His hands were 
twitching, and even his feet were shifting themselves 
to uneasy positions as he spoke. 

Thurston, who had been gloomily awaiting Rodney’s 
entrance, looked up from the position he had assumed 
near the mantel, where, with his elbows resting upon 
it, his face had been buried in his hands. 

Yes,” he said quickly, and then his voice changed 
to savage bitterness. I have seen my stepmother.” 
Rodney approached him. 

And what is the result ? ” he asked, his hands 
increasing their restless motions. 

The result ? It is this, Rodney : a confirmation 
from her own lips of all that I fain would have believed 
so false.” 

Ah ! Then she acknowledged the truth about the 

132 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


133 


last scene with her husband ? It was as his dying lips 
had told me ? Then we shall have a clear case in your 
favor, if it can he proved that their relations were not 
friendly to the last,” and he rubbed his hands more 
vigorously in his intense satisfaction. 

said Gerald, with quiet determination. I 
have done with the business now. From the first I was 
willing to contest my claim only that my father^s 
wealth, if it came to me, might be hers, might give her 
the enjoyment she craved. Had I but known! Oh, 
Rodney, it was cruel not to have told me,” letting his 
hands drop by his side in the utter abandonment of 
grief. 

Listen, Gerald,” and in his sympathy the little 
executor actually ceased his nervous motions for a 
moment. I held so strong a hope myself of a complete 
reconciliation on the part of your father that I could 
not but imbue you with the same hope, and I’m inclined 
to think it would have been so had he not met Miss 
Brower. But even then, had there been one word from 
you, Gerald, one half expressed wish to he forgiven, I 
am confident your father’s heart would have opened to 
you again.” 

I could not,” interposed Gerald, violently agitated. 

I could not, remembering his words to me on that last 
day; and had he half a father’s heart he would have 
recalled those words immediately they were uttered. 
But he has had his revenge.” 


134 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


He folded his arms and drooped his head moodily 
forward again. 

You continue to blame me for the course I have 
pursued/^ resumed Rodney ; but it seemed under the 
circumstances to be the best. Disliking the freedom and 
pertinacity with which I would speak to him of you, he 
transferred his business to another lawyer, and the first 
that I knew of his marriage, or even of his intention to 
marry, was when I was summoned to his deathbed. He 
would see me alone, to pour into my ear his discovery 
of the cruel deception which had been practiced upon 
him by Mrs Phillips, and in his rage against her he 
was as anxious to cut her off from his fortune as he had 
been to disinherit you ; then, also a sort of remorse for 
his treatment of you, and a pity for you because of the 
deception which he felt must also have been practiced 
upon you, seemed to struggle with his other emotions. 
But, feeling that his time was growing short, he bade 
me make immediate preparations for the annulling of 
the last will. I summoned the physicians, the only 
witnesses within instant call; your father, however, 
was too far gone to do more than utter in a disjointed 
way his wishes with regard to his first will, and when 
Miller, who had been summoned also, entered the room 
all was over. 

I told my story to the doctors and to Miller, in 
order that they might understand upon what excellent 
grounds the last will could be disputed, but they called 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


135 


it the vagary of a dying man. However, I understood 
the case better than they did, and, happening to go 
through the parlor that same day, I found this.” He 
drew from his breast the locket containing Gerald’s 
picture ; with a sickening sense the latter recognized it : 
it was his first gift to Helen. That,” resumed Rodney, 
“ confirmed the communication your father had made 
to me; he said that he, on seeing whose picture the 
locket contained, had torn it from her neck.” 

I know,” interrupted Gerald; you have told me 
all this before.” 

Yes ; and I should have told you what is to follow,” 
said the lawyer, “ only you were too excited to listen to 
me, and too eager to have an interview yourself with 
Mrs. Phillips.” 

Because her conduct seemed too horrible,” said 
the young man, and I hoped against hope that there 
might have been something which would still leave her 
guiltless in my eyes : but there was nothing, nothing.” 

Again he buried his face in his hands. 

Rodney resumed: 

I sought you, Gerald, at once ; you were too ill 
to be seen. I could do no more than leave an urgent 
request to be apprised when I could see you. When 
such word came, I hastened to Eastbury, it was only to 
be informed by your physician that I must be most 
careful not to excite you by any communication. In 
that case I was afraid to tell you even of your father’s 


136 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


death, and so I made it appear that, because of ill health, 
he was on the point of relenting towards you. How 
happy that news made you, you yourself can tell. The 
necessity becoming urgent for immediate legal steps in 
regard to the annulling of Mr. Phillips^ last will, it 
made it necessary that I should tell you something of 
the truth, as your presence speedily would be required 
in court. So at length I informed you of your father’s 
marriage and subsequent death; but having learned 
from your own confidences how madly infatuated you 
were with Miss Brower, I feared the effect upon you 
should you know that your father’s widow and your 
affianced were the same. In the face of your wild love 
and your still weak condition I continued to defer the 
communication, being careful even to refrain from men- 
tioning that your father was a guest of the Tillotsons, 
and being not a little relieved that you, absorbed in 
your attachment to Miss Brower, seemed to forget to 
ask even the maiden name of your father’s widow. 

Matters thus continued until the very day of your 
appearance in the court-room. I meant to tell you upon 
that morning, to prepare you for the appearance of Mrs. 
Phillips on the witness stand ; but your arrival was late, 
you remember, and I had no opportunity to whisper a 
word to you. You heard her evidence; how carefully 
she concealed the facts^of that last scene with her hus- 
band; in a word, how she perjured herself.” 

Thurston groaned; but Podney, now wrought upon 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


137 


by his own indignant feelings at the memory of Mrs. 
Phillips’ infamous conduct, continued : 

Indeed I’m not sure but that her fainting at your 
feet was a very pretty piece of acting, all of a part with 
the rest of her nefarious doings. And yet all that you 
saw and heard in the court-room, was not enough to con- 
vince you of her treachery. You acted like a madman, 
refusing to listen when I would have explained why I 
had concealed the true facts of the case, until you should 
have had an interview with Mrs. Phillips. You have 
had that interview, and you are not much more sane 
than you were a few hours ago. Be a man, Gerald, 
and throw this jade of a widow to the devil.” 

The little lawyer’s excited feelings had hurried him 
into profanity. 

A part, at least, of the counsel seemed to be adopted, 
for Thurston, standing suddenly erect, said, with a 
calmness that surprised his listener : 

You mistake me, Rodney, if you think that any 
woman could have power to blight my manhood. I 
should scorn myself were I not above such weakness.” 

Ah ! that is like yourself ; you have your father’s 
spirit,” said the lawyer, with joyful vivacity ; and 
when you come into possession of your father’s prop- 
erty ” 

Hold ! ” interrupted Gerald. “ I have already told 
you I shall withdraw my claim to that; let my step- 
mother possess the wealth for which she sold herself. 


138 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


My present business gives me a salary adequate to all 
my wants, and besides it affords occupation for my 
mind, which is the best thing for me now. So, Rodney, 
by the friendship you bear me, let me hear no more of 
disputing my father’s last will; since he could be so 
un fatherly as in the first place to will everything away 
from me, let it remain so. I promise you to forget that 
I ever knew the woman who now bears my father’s 
name.” 

But the lawyer was still unwilling and dissatisfied. 

I swear,” he said hotly ; but it is too devilish bad 
that minx should have what is yours by right. Why, do 
you know how rich she will be ? ” 

Do you know how rich I shall be?” interrupted 
Gerald. Rich in that which no money could ever 
purchase, — my own independence and fortitude to bear 
and rise above all the wrongs which come to us from 
poor, weak human nature.” 

And how are you going to manage this forgetting 
business ? ” asked the lawyer. By going to distant 
scenes for a while ? ” 

ITo ! ” emphatically. By going back to the business 
which has suffered somewhat during my illness, and 
devoting my energies to it in such a manner that I shall 
have no time for melancholy brooding.” 

And by vowing to hate the sex, I suppose, for the 
rest of your natural life ? ” 

The lawyer spoke in a jocular tone, but yet with so 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


139 


solemn an expression of face that a smile shone for an 
instant on. Gerald’s pale, thin features : 

Well, I certainly shall not be disposed to trust any 
of them; and you may rest assured of one thing, Kod- 
ney : that I never again shall occupy a position in which 
it will he necessary for me to trust any of them.” 

Softly, my boy, softly; I have heard jilted lovers 
rant at petticoats before, and yet they found other fish 
in the sea as good as that they had lost, and — ” But 
Gerald had turned impatiently away. 

Bodney resumed his serious tone: 

Suppose this little widow should take it into her 
head to return to Easthury ; she will have means enough 
to buy out the whole village and live as sumptuously as 
she chooses.” 

That would make not the least difference to me,” 
was the reply. In my interview with her I told her 
that in the event of any meeting in the future, it must 
be as strangers. I tell you, Kodney, she is nothing 
to me now.” 

He was not excited, though he had spoken a little 
warmly, and as the lawyer marked the lines which from 
mental suffering already indented his face, he knew 
with how strong a will — his father’s indomitable will 
— the young man had curbed his fiery agony. 


CHAPTER XVIIL 


The sensational press, that had expected so much 
from the case of the contested will of the wealthy Mr. 
Phillips, was disappointed, for beyond that first day’s 
proceedings in which Mrs. Phillips had fainted so 
strangely at the feet of her stepson, there was nothing 
to feed even the slightest love of sensational gossip; 
and the claimant to the property through the first will 
having quietly withdrawn, the second will, duly ad- 
mitted and proved, placed the beautiful young widow in 
a dazzling position so far as regarded wealth. 

All business pertaining to that contested document 
being settled at last, Mrs. Phillips was free to go where 
she would, and to Eastbury, according to her first 
determination, she intended to go immediately. Miller, 
in his capacity as her business executor and guardian, 
since she seemed to be so unprotected, would have 
journeyed with her all the way to the little village, but 
she firmly declined his courtesy; she would not even 
take her maid, faithful Jennie, much to the latter’s 
disappointment and regret. So quite alone, save that 
the lawyer would accompany her in the carriage to the 
depot, Mrs. Phillips departed on her journey. She 
was in heavy weeds, and not once during the long ride 
140 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


141 


did she lift from her face its sombre crape covering. 
Her thoughts could betray themselves as they would 
behind that thick screen, and she could recount her 
plans for the future without fear of meeting some 
inquisitive eye. She had telegraphed to Miss Balk to 
meet her at the station and now, as the train stopped at 
the low wooden structure which served as a depot, Mrs. 
Phillips was obliged to throw up her veil, for the 
December day was drawing to a close. Lights were 
twinkling in the little place, and a couple of country 
hacks were in waiting. In one of these Helen at once 
recognized the angular form of Barbara, and she hur- 
ried to it. Miss Balk was startled, — so startled that she 
positively recoiled from the little figure springing 
lightly into the vehicle. 

Have you no welcome for me, Barbara ? as the 
driver started his horses in the direction of Eastbury. 

Still no answer from Miss Balk, and Mrs. Phillips, 
throwing herself back on the seat with that ease of 
position in which she ever indulged, resumed : 

One would think I had scared you out of your voice. 
Did not my letter, telling you all that had happened, 
reach you last week ? ” 

It did,’’ replied Barbara’s wonted slow, deep tones; 
and I was thinking that you had broken somebody’s 
heart, but it was not your own.” 

It was too dark to see the working of Mrs. Phillips’ 
countenance, but by the change in her position it would 


142 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


seem as if she half winced under the remark. She 
said, pettishly: 

It is too bad, Barbara, that your first word to me 
must be a taunt ; have you no feeling for my sufferings 
since I saw you last ? ” 

^^Your sufferings!’^ and Miss Balk laughed, that 
short, hard, dry laugh which Helen never could hear 
without feeling as if it would be a relief to gnash her 
teeth against it. 

^^Your sufferings!” she repeated. Why, Helen, 
your heart is so tough from vanity and selfishness that 
all the sufferings in the world wouldn’t make an impres- 
sion on it, so long as they didn’t hurt just yourself. 
But you tried to break Gerald Thurston’s heart, I have 
no doubt. Lucky he found you out before he married 
you ; pity his father hadn’t found you out too.” 

If you say another word like that, Barbara, I’ll 
jump out of the carriage.” 

Barbara was not daunted. 

Jump,” she retorted ; “ perhaps you’ll have more 
success in breaking your neck than you have had in 
breaking your heart.” 

But Mrs. Phillips did not follow the advice ; she put 
her hands over her ears, and, shrinking to the farthest 
corner of the hack, let Miss Balk’s tongue wag as caus- 
tically as it would ; Barbara, finding her companion to 
continue silent, relapsed into a silence herself, and 
neither spoke until they arrived at the little country 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


143 


house from which seven months before Helen Brower 
had gone forth. 

The stout country maid of all work, whom Miss Balk 
in anticipation of Helenas coming had engaged some 
weeks before, had an inviting supper neatly laid in 
the small hut cozy dining-room, and thither Helen 
repaired, waiting only to fling off her outer wraps. The 
lamplight was not sufficiently strong to reveal her as 
plainly to Miss Balk as the latter seemed to wish by 
her long continued and searching look, but it was enough 
to show that though Helen was very pale and looked 
strangely older than when she left Eastbury, her beauty 
seemed to be none the less ; indeed, there was a softened 
tone about it from her very pallor that lent to it a new 
charm and interest. If she still suffered as she said to 
Barbara that she had suffered, or any remorse or regret 
mingled with her present feelings, she most skilfully 
concealed all, and, proceeding at once to her supper, she 
ate with an appetite that at least had not suffered. 

Barbara deigned to break the silence: 

You are rich, Mrs. Phillips, I believe.’’ 

Mrs. Phillips looked up; accustomed as she was by 
this time to her new name, it seemed very odd pro- 
nounced by those unfeminine tones : 

Yes, Barbara, very rich ; worth about ” 

Don’t trouble yourself to mention the amount,” 
interrupted Barbara; the Hew York papers stated 
that.” 


144 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Mrs. Phillips started. Her companion continued: 

When I received your letter acquainting me with 
events which had happened some weeks previous, I 
thought I’d learn the facts as the public had them. I 
didn’t know how much you might have concealed. So 
I sent for all the Hew York papers that were likely to 
contain any information, and I found that, with your 
usual deceitful propensity, you had not written of your 
swoon in the court-room. The papers said when Thurs- 
ton spoke to you, you fainted at his feet. Did he curse 
you, Helen ? ” 

The color glowed in Mrs. Phillips’ cheeks: 

Ho, he did not curse me ; instead, he resigned his 
claim to the property that I might enjoy it.” 

The more fool he,” ejaculated Barbara, pushing 
back her chair the better to contemplate her companion. 

And what does he intend to do ? ” she pursued ; “ com- 
plete his madness by remaining in your vicinity ? ” 

Helen bent her pretty brows together in a scowl: 

I don’t know what he intends to do, and I don’t 
care. Gerald Thurston is nothing to me now.” 

Hot even as your stepson, not even as the one to 
whom you are beholden for your immense wealth? 
You are to be congratulated, Mrs. Phillips, on having 
so completely freed yourself from the shackles of truth, 
honor, and gratitude ; ” and Miss Balk’s sneering tone 
was even more provocative of her listener’s indignation 
than were the ironical words. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


145 


Mrs. Phillips dashed her cup down so violently that 
the steaming contents fell on the table and partly over 
her hand. Angered still more by the pain of the burn 
she retorted, passionately: 

Have a care, Barbara Balk, or I shall be provoked 
to the length of disobeying my father ^s wish in refer- 
ence to you. I feel like saying now,’’ waxing hotter 
with every word, that you shall not live with me. I 
can choose my own abode, and what is to hinder me 
from living away from you ? ” 

Hothing, certainly, save the consequences,” said 
Barbara dryly. 

And the consequences ? ” pursued Helen. What 
can they be but a series of petty torments from you ? ” 

Your father’s threat to curse you from his grave in 
the event of your separating from me,” again in the 
same dry way. 

Oh,” was the sneering reply, since I have parted 
with such feelings as truth, honor, and gratitude, I may 
be supposed, reasonably, to be free from such a silly 
superstition as fear of a dead man’s curse.” 

In that case I would give to the public everything 
I know ; ” and Miss Balk leaned back in her chair and 
smiled triumphantly. 

Know ! What do you know ? ” Helen’s voice was 
almost a shriek. 

Take the step that you propose, and you and the 
public shall be enlightened simultaneously.” 

10 


146 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


She spoke with imperturbable calmness, her smile 
assuming the character of mockery. 

Helen, too angry to finish her supper, withdrew to 
attend to her burned hand, and to give vent to her feel- 
ings in her own room. 

The next morning. Miss Balk seemed disposed to 
renew the attack; she asked in her sharp way where 
Mrs. Phillips intended to reside. The latter, with a 
manner as if she had made up her mind to have no 
quarrel with Barbara, be the latter as tantalizing as she 
might, answered, laconically: 

Here!’’ 

Barbara's astonishment betrayed itself by a slight 
involuntary start. 

Here ! ” she exclaimed ; in this little mean house, 
with all the money you have now, and with your love 
for extravagance ? Bah, Helen ! donT tell me that you 
have not some deep purpose at the bottom of it all.^^ 

But Helen deigned no reply; she was surveying the 
limp muslin curtains of the parlor windows. Barbara 
resumed : 

Do these stylish friends of yours, the Tillotsons, 
know how you are going to live, and have they approved 
of it?’^ 

My stylish friends, the Tillotsons,’^ replied Helen, 
trying to imitate Miss Balk’s tones, have just now too 
much affliction in the family — Annette, or Mrs. Morgan, 
having died under the operation necessitated by that 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


147 


accident — to give any thoughts to me. They are going 
to Europe, not being able to bear an immediate return 
to 'New York, which place they left so recently in such 
happiness.’^ 

And her death affected you so little that you did 
not even mention it.’’ 

Oh, we must all die,” spoken nonchalantly, and 
with a shrug of the pretty shoulders. 

Well, when you die,” replied Barbara, it won’t be 
of anything but chagrin that your heartless, horrid 
deceit has been found out by everybody.” 

Helen laughed, gave another shrug, and left the room 
in answer to the summons to breakfast. 


CHAPTEE XIX. 


Mr. Eobiis^son^s home bore no evidence of the parsi- 
mony with which he treated his employees ; commodious 
and elegant, and surrounded by well kept and beautiful 
grounds, it testified rather to his high and sensuous 
living. The servants described the appointments of his 
table as princely, but all his sumptuous fare failed to 
increase the flesh on his spare form, or even to cover the 
angular leanness of his long, pale, heavily-lined fea- 
tures. 

In his boyhood he had been comparatively poor, work- 
ing in the factory which was then owned by his uncle, 
and living with his uncle who proved as hard a task- 
master to his nephew as he did to every one else subject 
to him. The only person to whom the old man was kind 
was his daughter, a pretty, gentle girl, who seemed as 
unlike her hard, grasping father as if she bore no 
relation to him. 

Old Caleb Eobinson died suddenly, and the property, 
willed entirely to the daughter, fell under the manage- 
ment of the nephew. It was reported in the village that 
the nephew managed so well in his own interest as to 
148 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


149 


make tlie girl marry him. They went away on their 
honeymoon, and young Mrs. Robinson came back in her 
coffin. 

Hasty decline,” her husband said, was the cause of 
her death, but the people in the village had their own 
and very different thoughts upon the subject. 

Young Robinson came in for all the property, and his 
wealth gave him influence enough to set at defiance every 
evil report. 

He lived at first in strange seclusion, devoting all 
his energies to the factory, and enlivening the solitude 
of his home hours by repasts the sumptuousness of 
which, being described by the servants, formed a 
frequent theme of gossip among his poorer neighbors. 

He was never known to assist a charity ; indeed, those 
who were interested in any benevolent scheme had long 
since ceased to subject themselves to the humiliating 
repulse which was sure to follow an appeal to him. He 
had not entered a church since he was a boy, and he was 
accustomed to pass such, of whatever denomination, 
with haughty stride and contemptuous look. While he 
laughed at the notion of hell, he firmly believed that 
each of the lower animals possessed a soul, and to any 
one who was bold enough to argue religion with him he 
flung long passages of the Bible, proving that he knew 
much of the book by heart, but every passage was so 
interlarded with profane speeches and shocking oaths, 
that the party starting the argument not only generally 


150 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


retired from the contest but retired with the feeling 
of being badly worsted. It was the only time that he 
was known to use profane language, and some said he 
did it in order to escape arguments on a subject so 
distasteful to him. 

His hard, grinding measures with the employees 
began from the first day of his control of the factory ; 
and, hard as the poor operatives had thought the deceased 
Robinson, they were aghast at the heartlessness of this 
young man who seemed to forget that he had ever 
worked among them. 

After two years of his seclusion, Robinson made 
frequent trips to Boston, where some of his kin resided, 
and after that, two seasons of every year, midsummer 
and midwinter, brought a large party of men and women 
to his Eastbury house. He even went to the extent of 
having the house so much enlarged that it looked com- 
modious enough for three mansions, and he called it 

The Castle ” by which name it speedily came to be 
known among the villagers. 

His company generally remained a month, and the 
sumptuous fare with which the eccentric widower re- 
galed himself was lavishly spread before them. He 
was parsimonious only to the poor, whom he abhorred 
with all the strength of his little, mean, contemptible 
soul. He shrank from every contact with them, but 
until Thurston came he was obliged to do violence to 
this antipathy, and this feeling made him seek at length 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


151 


for some one who, capable of assisting him in the 
management of his lucrative business, might relieve 
him from all contact with his employees. It was at this 
juncture that Thurston presented himself with a letter 
of introduction procured for him by Kodney from one 
of Eobinson^s Boston relatives. The young man^s 
gentlemanly air impressed the factory owner; he gave 
him a position of minor trust and watched him. The 
vigilance convinced him of Thurston^s sterling charac- 
ter, ready tact, and business capacity. He immediately 
assigned him to a more important position in the factory 
and speedily Gerald came to be second only to Kobinson, 
and most essential to his employer in all business 
concerns. 

Such was the character of the man who now stood in 
a room of his own house talking to Thurston. Hever 
before having betrayed the least interest in the latter’s 
aifairs, Gerald was somewhat surprised to find himself 
subjected to quite a catechism. It was his first oppor- 
tunity for a conference upon anything save business 
since his return to the factory after his illness, and this 
evening it was at Eobinson’s own request that he had 
called upon him. The room in which they sat was a spa- 
cious, deeply wainscoted apartment, with dark paneled 
walls and innumerable gilded sconces, in every one of 
which blazed a wax candle. Eobinson had a fancy for 
wax candles, and while the rest of the house was illumin- 
ated by gas, his own bedchamber and the room which he 


152 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


called his study — though the name seemed a misnomer, 
there being not a book in the apartment — were lit by 
a profusion of wax candles. The light was quite bright, 
though with that peculiarly softening effect given by 
wax, and it brought into distinct view the rich antique 
furniture, while the fire glowing in the wide grate 
added picturesquely to the effect. 

Eobinson, like Miss Balk, had learned from the 
papers the events in which his young manager had so 
prominently figured, and in reference to those events he 
was now saying, with something like an attempt at 
jocularity, hut which attempt was more like the grim 
effort of a death^s head : 

Guess you didn’t reckon on such a shabby trick, 
losin’ your fortune by your father marryin’ agen. It 
struck me all of a heap to read in the papers that the 
lady was Miss Brower, of our own place here; that 
deuced pooty girl that I used to meet once in a while out 
walkin’ with her father. Didn’t it give you a pooty 
nice upsettin’ when you found out she was the widow ? 
or maybe you knowed her pooty well, livin’ here near 
her so long.” 

I knew her,” answered Gerald briefly, thankful 
that Kobinson’s slight intercourse with the people of 
the village kept him from ascertaining how well he had 
known Miss Brower, and hoping that the factory owner 
would not pursue his questions. 

Eobinson resumed, — 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


153 


The matter ain’t clear to my mind. I can’t fix how 
you’ve come to give up your claim ; wouldn’t it stand ? ” 
“ I hardly think it would,” said Gerald nervously. 

Well, I’ll tell you what to do. Make up to the 

widow, Gerald ; you’re pooty good-lookin’, and ” 

But Gerald had risen from his chair, and with a 
face so pale it looked ghastly in the light of the candles, 
he was saying: 

“ I must beg, Mr. Kobinson, that you will not jest 
upon such a subject; my father’s death, and the 
unpleasant circumstances connected with it, are too 
recent for me even to bear to speak about them.” 

The small, keen, greenish eyes looked sharply at 
the young man, though he answered lightly : 

“ Pooh ! You’ll get over all that squeamishness ; 
such feelings are well enough in women folks, but a 
man don’t want to be shackled by them ; as you’d rather 
be let alone, we won’t say any more about it. And now, 
I reckon, I’d better tell you what I wanted you over 
here for this evening: I want you to come here and 
live with me.” 

Live with you ? ” Gerald seemed to he amazed. 

Yes ; board with me, if you’d rather have it put 
that way; but I want you here, anyhow. It’s deuced 
lonesome when the company goes.” 

So far as Gerald’s choice of an abode was concerned, 
now that his mind since the great shock it had sustained 
was completely indifferent to outward surroundings, it 


154 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


mattered little; he felt that he could live equally well 
among South Sea Islanders, or Esquimaux. His only 
regret would have been the pecuniary loss his change 
might inflict upon Mrs. Burchill, but on that very morn- 
ing the good woman had told him of her intended 
change. Owing to her failing health, she meant to 
resign the arduous charge of a boarding-house, trusting 
that the little sum which she had accumulated, together 
with that which her daughter might command in some 
position, would be sufficient to support them in a quiet 
way. 

What’s the matter ? Going to get married ? or any- 
thing else in the way ? ” said Hobinson, getting impa- 
tient under Gerald’s prolonged silence. 

There’s nothing in the way,” was the quiet answer, 
but your company ; you will not expect me to meet 
them if I live here with you.” 

Robinson chuckled; his laugh at its heartiest never 
amounted to more. 

You needn’t meet ’em if you don’t want to, but I 
reckon you’ll git a cravin’ for society some time, the 
same as I used to when I lived here the year through. 
Methusala! the very shadows became spooks after a 
while, so I had to have lights to banish them, — ^lights 
like these,” — indicating with a sweep of his hand the 
numerous blazing candles. 

Gerald thought the allusion to spooks very singular 
from such a hard, practical man as the factory owner, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


155 


but his own thoughts so absorbed him that he instantly 
forgot the impression: 

Well, Mr. Robinson, I’ll come.” 

When ? Couldn’t you stay to-night ? ” 

There was a strange eagerness in his voice, but Gerald 
seemed still too abstracted to notice it: 

No ; not to-night ; to-morrow evening.” 

And then in seeming haste he departed, directing his 
steps to the poor dwelling of Mrs. Hogan, who owed her 
entire subsistence to his and Mildred Burchill’s gener- 
osity. Her husband had been tried during Gerald’s 
illness, when the latter was powerless to use any influ- 
ence he might have had in his behalf. He was sentenced 
to three months in jail on the strength of Robinson’s 
charges, Robinson going so far as to cause to be raked 
up against the poor culprit an offence for which he had 
been amenable to the law years before, when he did not 
work in the factory, and the punishment for which he 
had escaped through some technicality. But Gerald 
since his recovery had been the steady friend of the poor 
wife and her little ones, and it was his promise to 
obtain some employment — not, however, in the factory 
— for Dick on his release, that kept the poor creature at 
all hopeful. 

God bless you, and God will bless you, Mr. Thurs- 
ton,” she said, as he left in her hand an earnest of his 
intention to continue to help her ; if it was not for 
you and Miss Burchill, I don’t know what I’d do at 


156 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


all. She was here to-daj, not only attending to me, 
but nursing a little lone sick thing upstairs that its 
mother had to leave while she went out to work.” 

But Gerald scarcely heard her ; he was thinking of so 
many other things. 


CHAPTEK XX. 


The Eastbury papers had copied pretty fully all the 
Xew York accounts of the Phillips will case, and from 
them Miss Burchill learned of the singular events in 
which Mr. Thurston and Miss Brower had recently 
figured, but she knew not whether to pity either or both ; 
from what she had discovered during Gerald’s delirium 
of his attachment to Helen, it would seem as if he had 
been grossly wronged, but again, she could not conceive 
Miss Brower acting so treacherously, and at length in 
her doubt and perplexity, she resolved to dismiss all 
thoughts of the subject; this was the easier to do, as 
her mother’s failing health demanded her closest atten- 
tion. It was with no little satisfaction that she had 
sought Miss Balk to tell that lady of her mother’s 
intention to resign the boarding-house; but Barbara 
received the news with great nonchalance, coolly 
remarking that Miss Brower’s expected return would 
expedite her own departure from Mrs. Burchill’s. For 
Gerald, however, to whom her mother communicated 
the intended change, she had a very different feeling. 
She experienced a vague regret at his going which she 
could not understand, and for which she could not 
167 


158 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


account, and sometimes, despite all her resolutions to 
the contrary, she found herself thinking about and 
even pitying him ; he bore that in his face which seemed 
to express severe mental suffering. She did not see him 
on his departure, but he left a kind adieu for her with 
her mother. 

And it seems like a bit of good luck, dear,’’ said 
Mrs. Burchill, his going to live with Mr. Robinson. 
Since you’re so averse to see Mr. Robinson yourself 
about your position, Mr. Thurston wouldn’t mind speak- 
ing to him for you. Indeed, I was on the point of 
asking him to do so, but I thought you mightn’t like 
it.” 

Oh, mother, I am so glad you did not speak to 
him ; ” and Miss Burchill’s forehead and neck were 
scarlet as well as her cheeks. 

Mrs. Burchill looked strangely at her daughter, say- 
ing after a long silence : 

Well, Mildred, I think you’re a little unreasonable. 
I can’t see the harm in your calling on Mr. Robinson 
when he himself requested it ; to be sure, he’s hard to the 
poor, and there’s queer stories told about him, but they 
have nothing to do with you.” 

I know it, mother, but I cannot meet this man,” 
burst from Mildred with unusual vehemence. I have 
an unaccountable and instinctive dread of him. I 
would rather never get a position if I must owe it to 
his favor. Please, don’t press me any more.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


169 


Well, I won’t, dear, since it disturbs you so. But 
I wish you were sure of the place ; I’d die easier, know- 
ing that you had the means of a respectable livelihood.” 

Why talk of dying, mother darling ? ” and the 
tears gathered in Mildred’s eyes. You are not old ; 
you will live many years yet.” 

Ah, no ! ” accompanied by a melancholy shake of 
the head. I know my symptoms too well ; it’s the 
way my mother and grandmother went. But, you 
foolish child,” as Mildred threw herself, sobbing, upon 
her mother’s neck, perhaps I’m mistaken in myself, 
and I’ll last long enough yet. But, in case of anything 
sudden happening, I may as well talk to you now of 
the matter on my mind. You have thought a good 
deal of all that I told you the other night, I suppose ? ” 

I couldn’t help thinking about it, it was so strange 
and sad,” answered Mildred through her tears, and 
I’ve looked at the picture you gave me,” she continued, 
until it has grown so familiar that I could single the 
face out in a thousand.” 

And yet it may be that you will never meet him ; 
but if you do, and he should be in any trouble because 
of his wild ways, you will help him if it should be in 
your power to do so % ” 

I shall, mother ; even though it required the greatest 
sacrifice on my part.” 

And now for one other thing, Mildred darling. 
Will you promise me that if in the future any one you 


160 


EEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


dislike, or any one who may have done you an injury, 
should come to you for a favor, or if it should be in 
your power to do such a person a kindness, you will do 
it? I make this strange request, fearing that there 
may be ever that in your disposition which might he 
like what my own was — a bitter hatred of any one who 
had wronged me. I held that hatred once, and I cher- 
ished it, refusing assistance to the person who had 
injured me when it was in my power to give her such. 
She died in her misery, and I have never been free from 
remorse since. To save you from anything like that, 
and to make my own death easy, whenever it comes, by 
the feeling that I have not made you like myself, I want 
you to promise me now, promise me solemnly, that you 
will not refuse a favor to your greatest enemy, even if 
to grant the favor you must make some sacrifice of 
yourself.’^ 

I promise,” said Mildred, through her blinding 
tears. 

Mrs. Burchill’s fears about herself seemed to be 
unfounded, for she did not grow worse, though three 
months passed since her strange conversation with her 
daughter. They had given up the little house, much to 
the regret of the boarders, who had learned to regard 
Mrs. Burchill as a mother, and were living in a smaller 
and plainer, but equally comfortable house, in another 
part of the village. Mildred had failed to obtain the 
position she sought, her influence being insufiicient to 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


161 


win the unanimous consent of the hoard of selectmen; 
and to another young lady, whose father had a bank 
account in Boston, and who only wanted to teach to 
increase her allowance of pin-money, was given, with 
some ceremony, the post of junior teacher in the village 
school. Mrs. Burchill seemed a little sad when she 
heard of the appointment, but she brightened in a 
moment, and said cheerfully: 

Perhaps it’s all for the best.” 

Mildred applied herself to dressmaking, taking les- 
sons from the only modiste which the village contained, 
and employing her leisure hours in cultivating her 
voice. She did the latter in obedience to her mother; 
for, ignorant though the good woman was upon all 
musical matters, she had sufficient ear to know that her 
daughter possessed a fine voice, and from the early 
childhood of Mildred she had practiced economy that 
the little girl might have this instruction. So, from one 
itinerant master or another, according as each took up 
his temporary residence in the village. Miss Burchill 
received musical instruction. At this time her teacher 
seemed to be much superior to any of her former instruc- 
tors. Unexpected reverses and feeble health had com- 
pelled him to seek a living in Eastbury, and his musical 
ability and admirable mode of instruction becoming 
known, it secured for him many pupils among the 
wealthier class. Because of his health he was obliged to 
refuse to give lessons in the homes of his pupils ; conse- 

11 


162 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


quentlj, they all came to him. And one afternoon, as 
Mildred had just concluded her lesson and was about to 
step from the threshold of the hall door to the little 
porch, a lady in deep mourning and heavily veiled 
turned from the walk to ascend the steps. She threw up 
her veil as she reached Mildred, and the latter recognized 
Helen Brower, or rather Mrs. Phillips. Never having 
been introduced, neither offered any salutation, though 
it was evident the widow desired to speak, and, as 
Mildred was about to pass on, the former said, hur- 
riedly : 

Is the professor in ? ” 

Mildred bowed an affirmative, and proceeded on her 
way. That Mrs. Phillips had engaged to take singing 
lessons was evident, for Miss Burchill frequently met 
her, as she did on that first day, entering as she was 
leaving. On one occasion that the professor, delighted 
with Mildred’s execution of a difficult aria, requested 
her to sing it again, she found Mrs. Phillips waiting in 
the outer room. Mrs. Phillips, of course, had heard her ; 
and was it surprise at the magnificent voice which made 
her look so intently at the young girl ? Mildred without 
noticing the look, passed on. But the gentlemanly 
professor found his courtesy put to unpleasant test by 
his beautiful pupil that afternoon. She would insist 
on trying notes for which her voice was utterly unsuited, 
and at last in a fit of ill-concealed temper at her teacher’s 
unwillingness to gratify her, she said half pettishly : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


163 


I want to sing just what that young woman sings 
who took her lesson immediately before mine.” 

M. Clarmont smothered some anathema between his 
teeth, and looked up from the piano with what calmness 
he could assume as he answered : 

You would have to possess Miss BurchilFs voice, in 
order to sing what she does.” 

Mrs. Phillips, however, would have her own way; 
and as she was a pupil by no means to be offended, he 
consented with what grace he might, and the aria, which 
from Mildred’s lips had so delighted him, now given 
by Mrs. Phillips made him feel like banging the piano 
down alike upon the music and the widow. 

Mrs. Burchill seemed to entertain some hope that 
her daughter’s voice might yet contribute to the latter’s 
livelihood, and for that reason, when Mildred spoke of 
discontinuing the lessons, in order to give more time to 
her trade, and spare her mother’s already strained 
purse, Mrs. Burchill would not hear of it, nor had the 
girl herself the heart to press it, when she saw how 
fondly and delightedly her mother and grandfather 
listened during her hours of practice. 

But the quiet and contented life of the little house- 
hold was to have a sad interruption. Mrs. Burchill’s 
predictions of her own early demise at last came true, 
and her end was as sudden as she had feared it would be. 
She had but time to call her father-in-law and daughter, 
and to impress upon her daughter the remembrance of 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


164 

the promises already obtained, when she died quietly 
and painlessly. The physician, who had been long 
attending her, obeyed his hurried summons only to find 
his patient forever beyond his skill. 

The poor little grandfather’s grief was the most 
touching. When he was not hanging over the corpse 
in mute agony, he was following Mildred about with 
a childish affection that must have gone to any heart; 
and Milly ” as he so dotingly called her, in her own 
desolation still felt acutely for him. 

Troubles come not singly,” and the young orphan 
for the next few weeks painfully realized the truth of 
the adage. The bank which held her mother’s little 
account failed; the modiste, who had promised to pay 
for her services after a certain time, was unable to 
keep her word; and the owner of the little house in 
which they lived, in view of the demand for houses to 
accommodate the expected infiux of summer visitors, 
raised the rent so exorbitantly that Miss Burchill 
decided to leave the premises immediately. She had 
grown very pale and weary looking during this accu- 
mulation of trials, and the drawn and resolute look of 
her face, conveyed the impression that her persistent 
effort to control her emotions was undermining her 
health. 

The scanty amount which still remained to her must 
be strictly economized, and, having in the first place 
to seek a home, she could think of but one quarter of 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


165 


the village where the rents were not incompatible with 
her humble means — the part where the Hogans lived. 
For an instant at the thought of living there, the blood 
surged madly into her face, then her eyes fell upon her 
grandfather, — the little old man who had not once 
smiled since his daughter-in-law’s death, and who was 
rapidly losing his ruddy and chubby look. His melan- 
choly air went to her heart; with an impulsive bound 
she was at his side, her arms about his neck, and a long 
pent up burst of tears wetting his furrowed cheek. 

“ Eh, Milly darling ! What’s the matter ? Ho new 
misfortune, is it ? ” 

He knew of some of the unfortunate circumstances 
which had impoverished them, but Mildred had con- 
cealed their full extent; now, however, feeling that he 
ought to know, in order to be prepared for removal to 
a poorer home, she said, as soon as she could recover 
her voice : 

It is only this, grandfather : we must move to 
^ Irish Town,’ and I am afraid your heart will break 
there.” 

Hot my heart, Milly,” he said slowly, and putting 
his hand in a caressing way on her forehead ; the 
hearts of the old are sometimes too tough to break; but 
it is yours that will be crushed, and if I was not in the 
way maybe you wouldn’t have to go there; you could 
get a place to teach in a family, maybe ; but don’t let me 
keep you, for I’ll manage to get my crust somehow.” 


166 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Oh, grandfather ! It is you who will break my 
heart if you talk in this manner. You are all the world 
to me now. Can you ask me to leave you ? 

She could say no more for her tears. 

The fond old hand pressed more caressingly on her 
forehead : 

I wonT, Milly darling, since it distresses you ; I 
wonT say another word about it.” 


CHAPTEK XXL 


Ten months of Mrs. Phillips’ widowhood had passed, 
and she was still in the deep weeds which proclaimed to 
the world her loss ; her beauty, however, wore no mourn- 
ing expression; that was brighter, more interesting, 
more striking than ever. Her mornings she had 
employed, to Miss Balk’s infinite amazement, in study, 
engaging for the purpose two special instructors from 
Boston, one in the languages, the other in the general 
sciences; and Miss Balk’s amazement went beyond all 
expression when Mrs. Phillips added to her studies, 
lessons in vocal music. Her voice, while it was clear 
and high, lacked sympathy and expression, and for 
that reason she had never given it much attention ; now, 
that she should devote to it hours daily, and even repair 
for instruction to the home of the teacher, instead of, 
as in the case of her other lessons, engage an instructor 
from Boston, puzzled and annoyed the eccentric spinster. 
Once she spoke of it in her caustic way; Helen who 
was about to go forth to her lesson, replied : 

I go to this man’s house because he is unable to 
come to me ; and I want to help him, poor fellow, as he 
has little means, and his health is not good.” 

167 


16S 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


“ You help him ! You doing all this for charity ! ” 
exclaimed Miss Balk. Well, Mrs. Phillips, the prince 
of the infernal regions might give you the palm for 
lying.” 

You are quite welcome to your opinion, Barbara,” 
was the nonchalant reply. And Mrs. Phillips, drawing 
her veil over her face, stepped leisurely out. 

Miss Balk, however, was not to be baffled. That 
evening, while Helen was at her own piano practicing 
the aria which her teacher had so reluctantly taught her, 
Barbara was on her way to his residence. 

She was received with respectful courtesy, and, wav- 
ing aside the chair placed for her, she introduced at 
once, in her grim way, the object of her visit. 

As the near friend and somewhat protector of Mrs. 
Phillips, she had come to know what progress that 
lady was making in her musical studies. 

The gentlemanly Frenchman was a good deal sur- 
prised and not a little amused. He had supposed Mrs. 
Phillips, from all that he had heard of her, — and she 
was an object of much curious gossip in the village, — 
to he entirely her own mistress; certainly accountable 
to no one for her progress in any study; an opinion 
which now, judging by the authoritative manner of his 
visitor, seemed to be quite wrong. 

Are you Mrs. Phillips’ mother ? ” he asked suavely, 
more to gain time in his indecision as to what he should 
answer than to elicit any information. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


169 


Miss Balk bridled: 

I shall submit to no interrogation on my relation- 
ship to Mrs. Phillips.’^ 

The Frenchman also bridled: 

And I, madam, can submit to no questioning about 
my pupils, unless I know the object of the ques- 
tioner.’’ 

“ Oh, as to that,” was the reply, knowing the poor 
quality of her voice, I wondered, since she persists in 
coming to you for lessons, if you were honest enough to 
tell her about it, or whether you make her believe she’ll 
be a singer some day for the sake of getting her patron- 
age. In either case it doesn’t matter to me; she has 
plenty of money, and if you can fool her into throwing 
some of it upon you, so much the better for your 
pocket; ” and Barbara firmly seated herself on the 
chair which she had at first refused. 

You choose to be insolent, madam,” said the now 
very angry Frenchman; and I shall resent your 
insolence by asking you to leave my house. I am not 
accustomed to secure patronage in the way you men- 
tion.” 

Oh, keep your temper,” answered Miss Balk coolly, 
and, turning to seat herself more comfortably, her eyes 
fell on an open sheet of music lying on a table near; 
across the margin of the sheet, in large, plain letters, was 
written Miss Burchill.” The spinster started, and, 
turning quickly to the indignant Frenchman, she asked 


170 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


in her slow, grim way, Is Miss Burchill also a pupil 
of yours ? ’’ 

He answered, hotly: 

I decline, madam, to answer any of your questions, 
and I must again request that you leave the house.” 

For answer, Barbara tried to transfix him with one 
of her piercing looks, but he was in too much of a pas- 
sion to see her distinctly. Then she said. 

You have also Mr. Thurston, I presume, on your 
pupils^ list. Happy trio, — Mrs. Phillips, Miss Burchill, 
and Mr. Thurston. Are your terms very high for the 
gentlemen ? ” and Barbara laughed one of her horrid 
short laughs. 

Pardieu! exclaimed the Frenchman, hurried by 
his anger into profanity in his own language. I have 
no gentlemen at all on my pupils’ list. What do you 
mean, madam ? ” 

But Miss Balk had risen, and was saying, in her 
wonted measured tones: 

Then Mr. Thurston is not one of your pupils. I 
am much indebted to you ; you have given me valuable 
information. Good-evening ! ” 

And she departed in her grim way, leaving the 
professor in a state of burning indignation that scarcely 
subsided until he saw Mrs. Phillips. The account which 
he gave so affected that lady, though she pretended to 
treat it lightly, saying that Miss Balk was slightly 
deranged, that her voice refused to be steady upon any 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. I7l 

note, and for once she did not insist upon going through 
the whole repertoire of Miss BurchilFs music. At 
home she opened fire on Barbara. 

How dare you pry into my business in such a 
manner ? ” she said, stamping her little foot, and facing 
Miss Balk with flaming eyes. 

Because I wanted to test the truth of this wonderful 
charity of yours, and I succeeded; I discovered that it 
was not charity which made you take these lessons; it 
was not directly Thurston, as I thought at first; it 
was — She stopped short, and laughed. 

It was what ? ’’ almost shrieked Helen. 

Mildred Burchill,” answered Barbara, with another 
laugh. 

I’d like to strangle you,” said Mrs. Phillips, grow- 
ing white as the snowy wall behind her. 

I’m afraid you would bungle the work,” was the 
cool reply ; it is not quite so easy as breaking hearts, 
or shoclcing people to death.” 

Mrs. Phillips could trust herself no farther. She 
dashed from the room and up to her own apartment, 
where her thoughts held savage council as to how she 
could escape from Barbara. 

Barbara pursed her thin lips together in a very self- 
satisfied manner, and went out for her customary even- 
ing walk. In due time she returned, and with such 
evidence of having added to her store of satisfaction 
that had Helen met her she must have noticed it. At 


172 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


breakfast the next morning, however, Miss Balk gave 
vent to her complacency. 

When will you sail for England, Mrs. Phillips ? ” 
she asked. 

Surprise kept the widow silent; she could only stare 
at the speaker. 

Oh,’’ resumed Barbara, carelessly, perhaps you 
have not heard that Gerald Thurston is going to Eng- 
land. He went to Hew York yesterday for the purpose, 
I believe; at least, so I understood the conversation 
among some of the men that I happened to overhear 
while out for my walk last evening.” 

If Barbara wanted proof of the effect of her words, 
she had it in the deathly pallor which overspread the 
face opposite; but its owner sought to recover herself, 
and she answered with a hysteric laugh : 

Gerald Thurston’s movements are nothing to 
me.” 

That they were something to her, however, was proved 
by her unfinished breakfast, though she strove to hide 
the fact from Barbara, dallying over the meal that Miss 
Balk might leave the table first ; but Miss Balk 
remained, and at last both sat simply glaring at each 
other. Then Barbara rose, saying, with her tantaliz- 
ing laugh : 

I am sure the air of England will be necessary to 
restore your appetite.” 

And I am sure the air of Hades wouldn’t be hot 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 173 

enough to punish you/’ was the passionate retort as 
Mrs. Phillips dashed from the room. 

That afternoon, on the conclusion of her music lesson, 
Mrs. Phillips, instead of going home, took her way to 
Mr. Robinson’s. She had been often on his elegant 
grounds before, for the factory owner, contrary to what 
might be expected from his character, opened his 
grounds to the public ; but he had them carefully 
watched, however, that no fruit nor blossom might be 
purloined. Possibly the reason of his generosity was 
his delight in the notoriety which his magnificent place 
thus gained. On this occasion Mrs. Phillips did not 
linger to admire the cultivated and natural beauties of 
the scene, but she hurried to the unusually large and 
picturesque building which stood midway in the 
grounds. A deep baying, together with a short warn- 
ing bark, told her of the vicinity of dogs, and she paused 
in some affright. An instant later and her fears became 
sheer terror, for two large dogs, one a tall grayhound, 
bounded upon her. They meant no harm, however, and 
Helen’s scream, as the great paws were placed in 
friendly fashion upon her dress, was followed by a 
hoarse chuckle of laughter, and a command to the dogs, 
which the latter obeyed by bounding instantly away 
from her to the person who had given the order. It was 
Robinson. His hands full of hat-house plants, — it was 
his whim to gather such himself, — and his low, wide- 
brinuned straw hat flung back rakish fashion on his 


174 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


head, gave him a very queer appearance; so queer, that 
had Helen not been so recently the victim of terror she 
must have laughed outright. 

Skeered pooty badly, eh ? ” said Robinson, in his 
blunt, vulgar fashion ; and then as Helen having recov- 
ered herself, threw back her veil, he started with 
astonishment, exclaiming, Mrs. Phillips ! ” 

She was quite recovered now, and, with her very 
sweetest smile, said: 

Yes, Mr. Robinson. I have ventured to call upon 
you without the formality of an introduction. I would 
speak to you on a little private matter with which I 
feel that I can trust you.” 

She fastened her eyes upon his face, her beautiful, 
appealing eyes, while her manner had all the fascina- 
tion of grace and candor. The hard-fisted factory 
owner was not impervious. Her beauty, the witchery 
of her bearing, were having the same effect upon him 
it had so fatally upon others. He actually, much also 
to his surprise, found himself striving to soften the 
abruptness of his manner, and to appear gracious and 
gentle. 

Let me ask you into the house, Mrs. Phillips,” he 
said ; and you can tell me your business there.” 

He led the way up the broad steps, and through the 
long, spacious hall to the room that he called his study. 
Though not yet sundown, there was the same blaze of 
wax lights in the apartment that there had been on 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


175 


the occasion of his interview with Gerald Thurston. 
The lights seemed all the stranger that the windows 
admitted the yet unfaded daylight; but Eobinson with- 
out passing any comment, drew forward a chair for his 
visitor, and seated himself. 

Helen had given a start of surprise at the unusual 
illumination, but, finding there was to be no explanation 
of it she affected an indifference to it, and, assuming 
her most bewitching manner, she began: 

My business is this, Mr. Eobinson : you are aware, 
of course, of my relationship, by my marriage, to your 
manager, Mr. Thurston.’^ 

You’re his stepmother, I believe,” answered Eobin- 
Bon ; and then he added with a chuckle, pooty old son 
for you to have; older than yourself, I guess, by some 
years.” 

Mrs. Phillips blushed most becomingly, and resumed : 
And you know also, Mr. Eobinson, what an unkind 
will was made, leaving all to me and nothing to him, 
and so binding me that I cannot give him one cent.” 

Eobinson nodded. 

The fair speaker continued, her voice quivering with 
the emotion she was actress enough to put into it : 

Being a woman, Mr. Eobinson, and having a 
woman’s heart, I could not rest under such a state of 
things. I tried in vain to think how I could do some 
justice to Mr. Thurston, and at last, as a sort of tran- 
quillizer to my poor sensitive conscience, I resolved to 


176 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


live near him, and spend but as little of mj wealth as 
possible, hoping that some time an opportunity might 
arise for me to restore to him in some way what ought 
to be his. Now, however, I hear he has gone to Eng- 
land, and the fear that some misfortune in business 
may have sent him there has compelled me to come to 
you. You will help me, Mr. Robinson, to do justice to 
this poor young man. I feel that you will be my friend ; 
that you will direct me right.” 

The factory owner’s heart was more than penetrated : 
it was completely thawed. Never had he been in such 
close contact with so charming a presence; never had 
he heard such exquisite tones; and so much was he 
under the spell in which she had bound him that his 
own voice was a little unsteady when he spoke, and his 
hard lined face unusually flushed: 

Gerald Thurston ain’t in no want of means. He’s 
got plenty, and he’s gittin’ more every day. And it 
ain’t no misfortune in business that’s sent him to Eng- 
land: it’s to flx matters for me, — matters about some 
new invention in the factory. Being as he’s got a pooty 
good address and heaps of education, it wan’t best that 
he should stay at home and I go. So I had to spare 
him, though it’s dreadful inconvenient at the factory; 
and he’s goin’ to see the way they do things over there, 
and I reckon he’ll be gone six months.” 

And then he’ll return and stay with you as usual ? ” 
asked Helen, with trembling eagerness. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 177 

I reckon so. He seems to take to the business, and 
I mean he shall have it whenever I give it up.” 

Thank you, Mr. Robinson. YouVe relieved me of 
such a weight of fear; and now you will not let Mr. 
Thurston know anything about my interview with you. 
He is so proud and so sensitive about everything pertain- 
ing to his father’s will, that I should tremble for the 
consequences of his anger if he knew that I had spoken 
to you. Indeed, I wonder at my own boldness; but I 
am so unhappy.” 

She put her gossamer handkerchief to her eyes, and 
sobbed very softly. 

Oh, don’t cry ! ” said Robinson, who wanted to say 
something which should be quite pretty and quite appro- 
priate; but he was unable to think of anything save 
such a remonstrance as might be addressed to a grieving 
child. Don’t now,” as the widow’s sobs seemed to 
become more distressing ; it won’t do you no good 
this crying, and it’s a pity to waste such pooty tears.” 
Hitting at last on what he thought a pretty speech, and 
desirous of lengthening it, he continued, them tears 
is just like diamond drops; lucky man Gerald is to have 
such a pooty stepmother crying for him.” 

Her handkerchief was down in an instant: 

Hot for him, Mr. Robinson. I am not crying for 
him. He, personally, is nothing to me. I cry because 
I am forced to be a party to the injustice which has 
been done to him.” 

12 


178 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Well, it’s all the same ; you’re a pooty stepmother 
anyhow, and the right kind of a stepmother for a chap 
to have. But don’t cry any more, Mrs. Phillips,” as 
the handkerchief was again on its way to her eyes, 
and I’ll keep as mum as you want me to do.” 

“ Thank you again, Mr. Robinson,” and the hand 
which had held the handkerchief to her eyes was now 
extended to him as she rose to depart. 

He clasped it as carefully as if it were glass and 
might break beneath his pressure, and then he accom- 
panied her to the door, and was even thinking some- 
thing of escorting her to the extremity of the grounds 
when she prevented him by saying a hurried Good- 
night ! ” and speeding down the steps. 

Miss Balk had finished her supper when Helen 
entered the little dining-room, but she chose to remain 
at the table. Mrs. Phillips’ heightened color and her 
somewhat nervous manner (she never could help being 
nervous when Barbara’s eyes were upon her as they 
were now) excited Miss Balk’s curiosity. 

Have you ascertained the precise part of England 
to which we shall go ? ” she asked. 

It will not be necessary to go to England,” she 
answered quietly, and without lifting her eyes. 

Ah ! ” said Barbara. You have heard some- 
thing ; ” a remark which Mrs. Phillips did not deign 
to answer. 


CHAPTEK XXIL 


Mildred and her grandfather removed to the poorer 
part of Eastbury. Strangely enough, the only suitable 
apartments happened to be in the house of the Hogans, 
and actually adjoining the rooms they occupied. Mrs. 
Hogan herself cried bitterly for the misfortune which 
had so reduced Miss Burchill, and she sought by such 
help as she could give to make the poor little home at 
least cheerful. For herself, thanks to Thurston’s 
generosity, she was no longer in such utter need, and her 
husband, his prison term having expired, had employ- 
ment with a cooper at the other end of the village. 
Understanding but little about the trade, and hardly 
putting his heart into that little, he wondered what he 
did to earn the weekly sum which exceeded his old rate 
of wages at the factory. Once, in his proud independ- 
ence he spoke of it to his employer, but the employer 
said with a smile,— 

Xever mind Hogan, so long as I think your work 
is worth so much.” 

And Hogan went his way, wondering still, but never 
dreaming that it was out of Thurston’s pocket the sum 
came which made up the amount that he did not earn. 
179 


180 REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 

Mrs. Hogan questioned in her own mind why Mr. 
Thurston had not helped the Burchills, being under 
obligations to them, as he must be, for careful atten- 
dance during his illness, and she ventured to hint to 
Miss Burchill what seemed to be Gerald’s duty in this 
instance to his old friends. Her hint was not well 
received ; indeed, the young girl seemed a little angry at 
the supposition. 

He is not and he never has been under obligations 
to us,” she said, quite hotly, while her cheeks reddened ; 

and I should not think of presiiming on our acquaint- 
ance with him to apply for aid, or to accept his assistance 
did he proffer it. Further, he knows nothing of our 
present circumstances, and I must insist, Mrs. Hogan, 
on your, preserving strict silence about us whenever you 
meet Mr. Thurston.” 

Oh, as to that,” replied Mrs. Hogan a little abashed, 

I never see him now ; he goes to the shop once in a 
while to see how Dick is getting on.” 

And Mildred, somewhat ashamed also of her slight 
display of temper, tried to cover it by a playful notice 
of the hahy, who now able to toddle, was plucking at 
her dress. 

Dick Hogan, though he did not indulge in sprees as 
he used to do, gave his wife as much anxiety by his 
strange, moody manner; neither she nor his children 
seemed to have any power to rouse him from his gloomy 
apathy. He ate his meals and went to his work without 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


181 


vouchsafing a word save as he was addressed, and the ex- 
pression of his face showed that his thoughts harbored 
some dark and unhappy subject. The poor, frail, anx- 
ious wife sometimes remonstrated with him on his 
strange abstraction, and Mildred, from where she sat 
sewing in her apartment, could hear her, the partition 
between the rooms being insufficient to shut out the 
sound, and often the needle fell from her grasp as she 
heard his voice raised in savage repulse of every en- 
treaty. 

I tell you,” he said once, in tones whose menace 
brought Mildred in some affright to her feet, that I 
never cease to see his face; it keeps before me just as it 
looked in the court-room on the day when he gave his 
evidence against me, when he caused to be raked up 
that old story that I thought buried, and brought down 
Manly from Boston to testify against my character. I 
have murder in my heart for him, and I’m afraid it 
will come out some day ; then ” 

But his wife’s voice, raised in tearful entreaty, 
drowned the remainder of the sentence. 

When he went out Mrs. Hogan came to tell her 
trouble to Mildred. She had not spoken of it before 
because she hesitated to burden with her anxieties the 
young girl who had so many sorrows of her own, and 
who, from her wan and frail appearance, seemed to 
be daily sinking under them, and also because she hoped 
that time would clear her husband’s mind of its gloomy 


182 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


images, however, she seemed to have lost that 

hope, and to entertain only the most dreadful appre- 
hensions. 

Your husband is independent of Mr. Robinson 
now,’’ Mildred said in her soothing way ; he never 
sees him.” 

Wait, dear,” interrupted Mrs. Hogan. “ He does 
see him; he watches him. He spoke about it in his 
sleep the other night, and when I told him of it in the 
morning he acknowledged how he often hung round 
^ Mowbray’s ’ just to watch Mr. Robinson go in there, 
Robinson has a habit of dropping in there every even- 
ing. Dick says that this sight of him seems to keep 
down the fever in him for revenge. But I think it’s 
the other way. Miss Burchill. I think he’ll take his 
revenge yet, for he’s so bitter since the trial. 

You see, long ago, when Dick first came to this 
country, and was an innocent boy, he worked in Boston, 
and he fell in with lads that seemed like himself; 
they got him to drink with them and when at last he 
XvsiS let in to know them well he found he had just 
been used for their own ends. They were thieves in a 
big way, and poor, simple Dick was brought into the 
scrape to save them. Sure they turned evidence against 
him and if it wasn’t for the cleverness of the lawyer 
showing that something wasn’t right on the trial, Dick 
would have been sent to State prison. As it was, he 
got off, and he fell sick of the fright and disgrace. When 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


183 


he got well he left Boston and after wandering around 
he came here and getting steady work in the factory 
he settled down, and then he married me and he thought 
everything was forgotten. But when on the trial Manly 
appeared to testify against his character I thought Dick 
would have gone clean out of his mind. Manly was 
the man who had tried to prosecute him for the robbery 
so long ago, and it seems he was a friend of Kobinson^s, 
but poor Dick didn^t know that. 

So, you see he was made to appear a man of dreadful 
bad character, — not only stirring up the factory hands 
to strike and bringing about disorderly meetings, but 
having been in league with thieves. Sure it left poor 
Dick with no character at all, and he as honest as the sun 
and as good a man as the Lord ever made, barring the 
drop that he takes once in a while. Sure that was hard 
now. Miss Burchill, wasn’t it ? ” 

Mildred nodded ; she was too sadly interested to speak. 

And wasn’t it hard,” Mrs. Hogan resumed, that 
Mr. Robinson should have sent the constables to Raney’s 
Hall that night ? Sure it was just as he got out of the 
train that brought him from Boston that he happened to 
hear one of his work people say to some one that he was 
going right away to the hall, as he wanted to hear Dick 
address the hands. That was enough for Robinson ; he 
knew Dick was well able to address the hands, and he 
went right away and lodged the complaint that had 
poor Dick arrested. Well I cursed him once when the 


184 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


blight he put on us seemed so sore, and sure our con- 
dition now, with the way that Dick’s in, isn’t much 
better. You see. Miss Burchill, he feels his character is 
gone, and what is a man after that ? But the great God 
is over all and He’ll see justice done to us. And I 
can’t help thinking sometimes that Mr. Robinson doesn’t 
rest the easiest. Sure they say he has candles alight in 
the daytime in the room that he sits in. Well, I hope 
it’s not owing to my curse.” 

Miss Burchill smiled at the poor creature’s super- 
stitious belief in the power of her malediction, while 
at the same time she strove to comfort her. 

Poor, brooding, haunted Hogan — haunted by that 
morbid craving for revenge — was destined to receive a 
new impetus to his unhappy yearning. One week that 
his amount of work was less, and its quality much 
inferior even to that which he was accustomed to do, 
he refused to take his wages. 

“ I didn’t earn it,” he said doggedly. 

Ho matter for that,” was the reply from his em- 
ployer, who in his hurry to dispatch Dick and to pay the 
other workmen, forgot his usual caution. 

No matter for that,’^ repeated Dick slowly, while 
his swarthy cheeks reddened ; then I’m paid the same 
regardless whether I earn it or not ? Is that it ? ” he 
asked a little fiercely. 

The employer tried to get out of the difficulty by some 
soothing, evasive answer, and a second tender of the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


185 


money with an injunction to take it quickly, as the 
other men were waiting. 

But Hogan again put it back. 

Answer me one thing/’ he said leaning across the 
desk, until his labored breath assailed unpleasantly the 
face of his listener. Did my week’s work earn this 
money ? or are you giving it to me for charity ? ” 

He seemed savage enough to force by foul means 
the answer that he demanded, and the employer being a 
very small man, and alone with Hogan in the private 
office, was a little daunted. 

It’s not charity, Hogan,” he said, not knowing what 
to reply, and in his doubt stumbling on the very answer 
he should not have given. It’s pure kindness of 
one — ” and then feeling that he had said the utterly 
wrong thing, he stopped short. But Hogan had suddenly 
divined the truth. He sprang erect. 

I have it,” he said. It is Mr. Thurston who pays 
me my wages, whether I earn them or not.” 

The dismayed silence of his employer answered him. 

I’ll have no more of it,” resumed Hogan fiercely. 

I’ll see Mr. Thurston.” 

The employer had recovered himself: 

Mr. Thurston went to New York yesterday to take 
passage for England. Maybe he’ll be gone six months. 
And now since you’ve found it out, though I wasn’t to 
tell you, you are to get that much money every week, 
and if you don’t take it. I’ll send it to your wife.” 


186 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Hogan pocketed the money without another word, and 
hanging his head, left the office. On his way home he 
went out of his way to pass Mowbray’s. Mowbray’s was 
the hotel, or what was named such, of the village. It 
was a comparatively small building, of neat and com- 
fortable appearance, and its public parlor was visited 
nightly by Robinson. Dropping in about the same 
hour, he sauntered about, with his quick, keen eyes tak- 
ing everything in at a glance, and his hearing strained 
to catch every word of the most desultory conversation ; 
but he rarely went beyond a brief salutation with any 
one. Why he came, and came so regularly, never omit- 
ting a night, unless he was absent from Eastbury, or 
when he had company at the house, was somewhat of a 
puzzle even to the landlord. But as Robinson was too 
wealthy a man to have open comments passed upon his 
oddities, mine host did not trouble himself further than 
to display his civility. 

Hogan, as were most people in the village, was well 
aware of this peculiar habit of the factory owner, and 
as he had acknowledged to his wife, availed himself of 
it to watch him. He had told her that it satisfied in 
some measure his hatred of the man. He did not tell 
her of the horrid revel which his thoughts held while 
he caught those passing glances of Robinson ; how they 
gloated in imagination over a secret murder of the 
factory owner, and how ghastly pictures of his fancied 
victim in the throes of death started before him; how 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


187 

lie heard piteous cries for mercy, and for answer shouted 
back Robinson^s own unrelenting measures. 

It was these thoughts that deprived him of skill and 
energy in his work, and that caused the gloomy abstrac- 
tion which, to his wife seemed little better than his old 
drunken fits. 

The thought of his wife and children alone prevented 
his dreams from culminating in some murderous action. 
It would not have been difficult for him, being the poAver- 
ful man that he was, to spring upon the factory oAvner 
and overpower him, and the sole reason that he refrained 
from liquor was lest the liquor, knowing its excitable 
and ungovernable action upon his temper, might impel 
him to do the bloody deed. To-night he was desperate, — 
desperate with the thought of being a beggar, as he felt 
himself to be, being paid for what he did not earn, and 
desperate with the memory of what his late trial had 
branded him, and as he walked moodily along, his hand 
involuntarily clutched the large clasp knife which he 
constantly carried. When he reached Mowbray’s he 
drew it forth, opened it, and held it open by his side. 
The early summer evening was light enough to reveal 
objects distinctly, and Hogan, in order to avoid unpleas- 
ant notice, — constantly imagining himself to be an 
object of suspicion, — sauntered to a more retired spot; 
from his position, however, he could command an exten- 
sive view, and as he knew it was too early for Robinson’s 
visit, he was confident of seeing him as soon as he should 


188 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


enter the street on which the hotel faced. While he 
waited a woman passed him, — a woman poorly dressed, 
and carrying a bundle ; she brushed slightly against him, 
the contact seemingly caused by her own abstraction, 
but it roused her. She looked up, to exclaim in an 
instant, Mr. Hogan ! ’’ 

Yes, Miss Burchill,” he answered quietly. 

At the same moment she caught the gleam of the 
knife in his hand. The remembrance of what his 
unhappy wife had told her, the fact that he was there 
at Mowbray’s, waiting with such a weapon, all rushed 
together to her mind, while the fierce, determined expres- 
sion of his face blanched her own with horror. She 
caught his hand that held the weapon, and as if she read 
his thoughts, she said. 

You will not do it, Mr. Hogan.” 

He started. How had she divined his thoughts? 
Was then his murderous intention so palpably stamped 
upon his face ? He recoiled from her, but she followed, 
still holding his hand. 

You will not do it,” she repeated, hardly conscious 
of what words she uttered, only feeling that she must, if 
need be, move heaven and earth to prevent this intended 
crime. “ How could you ever touch your little ones 
again if you had a human creature’s blood upon your 
hands ? ” 

His little ones ! That was the tender spot in the poor, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


189 


unfortunate man’s heart. He hung his head until his 
thick beard rested upon his breast. 

You don’t know my provocation, Miss Burchill,” he 
said huskily. I am branded as a thief.” 

But if you took your revenge you would be hung as 
a murderer. How could your children live under such 
a stain as that ? ” 

He did not answer her and his head dropped lower 
upon his breast; but the knife fell from his hand and 
lay glittering at his feet. Mildred picked it up. 

Go home now ” she whispered ; go home to your 
little ones and thank God for having saved you from the 
commission of a crime which might have made them 
fatherless.” 

He raised his head and pushed his hat hack. It was 
still light enough to see that his eyes glistened with 
tears; hurriedly brushing them with the sleeve of his 
coat, he answered huskily : 

And I’ll thank yow. Miss Burchill, for speaking the 
way you did ; nothing else I think would have stayed my 
hand because I was so beside myself. I’ll go home, as 
you say, for the sake of my children.” 

He turned suddenly without even requesting his 
knife, that she still retained, and in a moment he was 
lost in the growing darkness. 

Mildred, closing the knife and putting it into her 
pocket, resumed her interrupted way. She was taking 
work home, an unexpected order which had been given 


190 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


her from the daughter of the proprietor of the hotel. 
Her orders, alas! were very few. She hurried on her 
errand and having completed it was about leaving the 
house when she was confronted by the tall, spare form 
of Eobinson. Trusting that he would not recognize her, 
she turned a little to the side, out of the rays of the 
veranda lamp, and keeping her head down was passing 
on. But the factory owner had recognized her. 

Miss Burchill, isn’t it ? ” he said following her, and 
trying to look under her hat. 

She looked up timidly and recoiled a little as she 
answered in the affirmative. 

Don’t look so skeered,” he said, trying to be jocular, 
but succeeding only in being grim. I don’t eat people 
when I speak to them; but I reckon you must have 
thought so, when you never came near me for that place 
in the school. I could have got it for you. Why didn’t 
you come ? ” 

I trusted to get it through Mr. Marsh’s influence,” 
she answered. 

And you didn’t want mine, eh ? ” accompanying his 
remark by his usual hoarse chuckle. 

Mildred did not reply. 

Wa’n’t that it ? ” he persisted, trying again to look 
under her hat, and in the effort bringing his face 
Unpleasantly near her own. She sprang back, and then 
drawing herself up, answered with so much dignity in 
her manner that Eobinson himself shrank a little : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


191 


I must beg you to excuse me from replying to your 
question, Mr. Kobinson, and thanking you for your 
kind offer of the past, I bid you good-night.’’ 

She glided by him and was down the steps before the 
factory owner had recovered from his surprise. Then 
an expression came into his face which appalled even 
the loungers on the veranda who happened to be near 
him, and who had been wondering spectators of the 
interview. It was an expression of ferocious hate, nor 
did he seek to put it out of his face as he stepped into 
the hall that led to the parlor. 


CHAPTEK XXIII. 


The usual summer advent of visitors was upon Mr. 
Pobinson but among them was one who seemed to be not 
at all of them, a shy, homely little girl, not more than 
eleven years old, and yet bearing in her sallow face 
the appearance of far maturer age. Her black dress 
with its trimmings of crape, showed that she was in 
mourning for some one, and her great black melancholy 
eyes looked as if they were always ready to shed tears. 
Yet she made one of the gay party on every occasion, 
looking odd enough in her sombre dress amid the bright 
tints of the surrounding costumes. Curiosity in the 
village was rife about her. Most of the visitors by 
whom she was accompanied were known, at least by 
sight, from their former visits, but of her nothing was 
known, and when at last servants’ gossip circulated the 
facts about her they were difficult to believe. It was 
said that she was Kobinson’s niece, the only child of his 
poor forgotten sister; that the latter had died recently, 
and having just previous to her death appealed to her 
wealthy brother, he answered it by adopting her child. 
Eor that reason he had her accompany the present gay 
party from Boston, and in order to banish her melan- 
choly, insisted that, regardless of her mourning she 
192 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


193 


should participate in every amusement. Such was the 
story told in perfect good faith by Eobinson’s own 
servants, their authority being the lady’s maid of one of 
the guests, who had the whole account from her mistress. 
The factory owner’s own attentions to the little girl 
seemed to confirm the statement. He was seen driving 
her out on several occasions, and his manner to her 
was as paternal as it was in his grim, coarse nature to 
be. One morning the strange pair drove up to Mrs. 
Phillips’ neat little residence. Barbara Balk, hastening 
to the parlor window at the sound of the wheels stopping 
before the door, could scarcely believe that she saw cor- 
rectly. Eobinson the factory owner, and that ugly 
chit of a girl that the village said was his niece, com- 
ing to visit them ! What did it mean ? She hurried into 
the passage, and was still more astonished to find 
Eobinson asking the servant for Mrs. Phillips. 

He was shown into the parlor, he and his niece being 
obliged to pass Miss Balk, who still maintained the 
position she had taken in the little corridor. Mrs. 
Phillips being summoned, descended in haste, starting 
when she saw Barbara. 

What do they want ? ” said the latter sharply. 

Helen made a deprecating motion with her hand lest 
the party within the room should hear, and trying to 
wave Barbara back, she entered. Miss Balk stalked in 
also. 

Mrs. Phillips was radiant with smiles and blushes, 

13 


194 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and a charming costume, and Mr. Robinson found 
himself again under the spell which had bound him 
during his previous interview with her. He strove to 
meet her with her own easy affability, but his inherent 
coarseness and vulgarity were not to be banished, nor 
even much lessened, by any effort he might make. So to 
the open disgust of Miss Balk who stood surveying him 
as if he were some animal from which she was undecided 
whether to defend her dress or her nostrils, he blurted 
out in his awkward way : 

Thought I’d come over, Mrs. Phillips, and just 
introduce my niece. She’s goin’ to live with me now, 
and I reckon she’d kinder like some acquaintance here. 
Her name is Cora Horton.” He drew forward the 
little girl and Mrs. Phillips sweetly embraced her. 

Robinson’s eyes were wandering over to Barbara. 
Helen observing that, looked also over to Barbara who 
was standing very straight and stiff and with a scornful 
lifting of her eyebrows, evidently waiting to be intro- 
duced. 

Helen inwardly ground her teeth, but outwardly 
appeared gracious enough, as she said : 

Mr. Robinson, Miss Balk, the person who lives with 
me.” 

There was the faintest accent on the word person ” 
as if she had a purpose in using the word, and hoped 
that her purpose might be divined by Mr. Robinson. 
But Barbara, for whom perhaps she did not wish such 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


195 


powers of divination, also evidently comprehended, for 
she drew herself up more stiffly than before, and while 
the factory owner bowed in the best style of which he 
was capable, she returned the courtesy only by a quick, 
abrupt bend of the head. 

Mr. Robinson’s Yankee shrewdness was quite equal 
to the task of understanding Mrs. Phillips’ little game, 
and without again directing the slightest notice to Miss 
Balk, he proceeded to invite Mrs. Phillips to his place. 

Lots of company there now,” he said, in his loud 
vulgar tones, so it’ll be pooty pleasant for you, and 
then I’ve told them I was goin’ to bring the pootiest 
widow in all these parts to introduce to ’em. 

Helen affected to be very busy smoothing back the 
little girl’s hair; in its luxuriance, it had escaped in 
disordered masses from her hat. Robinson continued, — 
Cora, and I will stop for you this afternoon, and 
drive you up to the house.” 

Oh, Mr. Robinson,” — and Helen was standing in 
her most modest attitude, eyes and head bent downward, 
and her face bearing the expression of tender melan- 
choly which she had practiced so often that its assump- 
tion now seemed quite natural, — my mourning pre- 
cludes me from participating in the festivities you so 
kindly invite me to; but if I can contribute in any 
measure to the happiness of your little niece, I shall 
waive my feelings for the present and accept your 
invitation, at least so far as to call upon you in order to 


196 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


establish visiting relations between this little girl and 
myself.” 

She stopped as she spoke and kissed the child. There 
was a sound in the direction of Miss Balk very like an 
exclamation of disgust, but when both Mrs. Phillips and 
Mr. Kobinson looked hastily at her she was in the same 
erect, rigid position, not even a muscle of her face 
having changed. 

Little, strangle, shy Cora Horton shrank from the 
caress of Mrs. Phillips, while her great, dark mel- 
ancholy eyes looked at the lady with an expression 
in which wonder and dislike were singularly mingled. 

Well, I reckon the thing’s settled then,” said Robin- 
son ; we’ll drive over for you about four. Come, 
Cora.” 

He stalked out, the child clinging to his hand, and 
making his adieu to Barbara as brief as had been her 
salutation to him. His leavetaking of Helen, however, 
was characterized by all the warmth and deference he 
knew how to put into his manner. 

The chaise driven away, Barbara glared at Mrs. 
Phillips. 

The 'person who lives with you ! ” she said, with 
quiet scorn. 

Why, Barbara, what else could I say ? You are not 
a relative, and I am sure you are not a friendJ^ A 
little low laugh accompanied the peculiar emphasis with 
which the last word was uttered. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


197 


Miss Balk resumed in the same scornful tones: 

You are afraid that I would expect the same atten- 
tion as yourself, and an invitation to Mr. Robinson’s. 
But don’t he concerned, Mrs. Phillips; I shall not 
interfere with you, for I would not for worlds deprive 
myself of the satisfaction of beholding your downfall, 
and that will come speedily enough if you are left to 
follow your own plans.” 

Helen, feigning complete indifference, was looking 
over some books on the table and humming. 

Bah ! ” continued Miss Balk. Do you think that 
I didn’t see through your acceptance of Robinson’s 
invitation, qualified though it was by that hypocritical 
allusion of yours to your mourning ? It will bring you 
to the house where Thurston is — ” 

Oh, Thurston is in England,” interrupted Helen. 
The house where he likely will be, then,” resumed 
Barbara and you expect to meet him occasionally, and 
win him by your pretty acting, and bring him to your 
feet as he was before. But I’ll enlighten you on that 
point Mrs. Phillips. Sooner than Gerald Thurston 
would ever entertain regard for you again he would fling 
himself into the river. Robinson, old, vulgar fool, may 
be caught by your silly affectations, though his niece, 
child as she is, seemed to read your character, for she 
shrank from you. Go on, Helen. As I said on an 
occasion before to you, your tether will be short, and 
your pretty face will be powerless enough when the 


198 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


wrinkles and the spleen of a wretched old age come 
into it.” 

She went from the room, while Helen sank into a 
chair and burst into a passion of tears. 

If I could only get rid of her,” she sobbed. I 
declare if it wasn’t such a horrid crime, I’d like to 
poison her.” 

The afternoon brought Eobinson and his niece, and 
Helen was ready to accompany them. Her mourning 
dress was nearly as deep as that of the little girl beside 
whom she took her seat in the chaise, but it was relieved 
by exquisite trimmings of white gossamer material, and 
the full snowy frill within her bonnet surrounded a 
complexion as delicate and lovely as rose bloom. 

The company to whom she was introduced comprised 
a half score of elegantly dressed women, none of them as 
young as Helen, and as many men, few of them being 
distinguished for aristocratic bearing. They received 
Mrs. Phillips very warmly, and seemed disposed to pay 
all that admiring court to her which her vanity so 
craved. If her superior beauty caused any envy among 
the women it was admirably concealed, and Helen 
possessing the rare tact to adapt herself to any society, 
became almost immediately a universal favorite. She 
seemed rather to wish to devote herself to the little shy 
niece ; but the child continued to shrink from her atten- 
tions, and as Mrs. Phillips remembered Barbara’s refer- 
ence to that same shrinking on the child’s part in the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


199 


morning, she inwardly raged against the little girl, while 
outwardly her manner had not one inharmonious 
ripple. 

At the late and elegantly-served dinner conversation 
was quite unrestrained. A certain freedom, accruing 
from the very vulgarity of their host, who, ignorant of 
the true proprieties of cultured society, waived every- 
thing that placed a fetter on his own inclinations, seemed 
to pervade the very atmosphere. Helen’s fastidiousness 
was slightly shocked as she contrasted the company with 
that which she had been accustomed to meet about the 
table of the Tillotsons, but the sense of geniality was 
delightful. 

Animated discussion turned upon every topic, the 
host’s Yankee slang, uttered in his loud shrill tones, 
being often heard above every other voice, and Helen 
found herself drawn into mirthful debate with some of 
her neighbors. A chance remark had reference to 
Thurston. 

Yes,” said the person to whom the remark was 
addressed ; I saw his name in a paragraph of English 
news the other day. It seems that he has astonished 
some of those business men on the other side by his 
valuable ideas.” 

Who is that ? ” chimed in another voice. Gerald 
Thurston? I tell you, Kobinson, you secured a mine 
when you got hold of that young man. And they seem 
to be appreciating him on the other side. I shouldn’t 


200 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


be surprised if they make him such an oifer that he 
never returns. What then, Kobinson ? ” 

I’m not afraid on’t,” answered Eobinson. 

Why ? ” resumed the voice that had previously 
spoken. Are the terms of his engagement with you so 
good that no better otfer can be made ? ” 

Eo ; I reckon that ain’t it ; but Gerald’s given his 
word to come back, and I’d stake his word ’gin any 
oath or contract in the country.” 

Model young man ! ” came in a half doubting tone 
from the other end of the table. 

Eobinson half rose. 

Don’t you believe it ? ” he said fiercely. I tell you 
Gerald Thurston’d jist as lief hang himself as tell a 
lie. He thinks a wonderful sight of truth and honor, as 
he calls ’em, and I don’t know but he’d throw any friend 
of his over for telling him a lie quicker than another’ d 
do for a murder. Eact, gentlemen,” as he saw the sur- 
prised looks turned upon him ; and that’s the reason I 
trust him as I do.” 

Mrs. Phillips’ cheeks were a deeper crimson than 
they had been, and her hands trembled so that she 
could scarcely convey her food to her mouth. 


CHAPTEE XXIV. 


A GNAWING, hidden anxiety, combined with insuffi- 
cient food and rest, produced its effect upon Miss 
Burchill. She was prostrated at last with a slow heavy 
fever. Then came into activity all the kindness which 
slumbered in the hearts of the Hogans. Mrs. Hogan 
was as constantly at the sick girFs bedside as the care 
of her own little household would allow her to be, and 
from her table poor old Grandfather Burchill was sup- 
plied; while Hogan himself, learning from his wife of 
the sick and destitute condition of Mildred, cheerfully 
devoted part of his week’s earnings to aid the Burchills. 
He actually exerted himself at his work in order to feel 
that he was entitled to the amount that he received. 

The poor neighbors about were all concerned for the 
young girl ; most of them had received kindness from her 
in some way, and many and frequent were their offers 
to share Mrs. Hogan’s vigils. To the little old grand- 
father, who hung above her bed in mute woe, their 
warmest sympathy was extended. 

Hogan had brought a doctor who pronounced the 
case not serious, but one which required the most tender 
care, and which must necessarily be tedious. So days 
201 


202 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and nights passed, Mildred sometimes delirious, and in 
her delirium repelling the fond old face that hung in 
such tender solicitude above her own, and again, in an 
interval of consciousness, trying to clasp her arms about 
the withered neck, and whispering: 

Darling grandfather ! ” 

One evening Mrs. Hogan came in with a pomegranate. 
Dick got it she said in the shop. Some gentleman had 
been up to see Mr. Robinson, who, in taking him over the 
grounds had given him a couple of pomegranates, with 
other fruits, from one of the hothouses, and the gentle- 
man coming directly to the shop on business, and not 
being partial to pomegranates, gave one to the employer 
and the other to Dick, who happened to he in the office 
of the shop at the time. Dick thinking of Miss Burchill 
saved it for her. The poor sick girl seized it with 
avidity and put it to her parched lips. Her enjoyment 
of it appeared to bring her strength for the moment, 
and her grandfather watching her with delight, turned 
sorrowfully away when, having devoured it all, she 
seemed to wish for more. 

CanT they be bought anywhere ? ’’ he asked Mrs. 
Hogan. 

Ho,” was the reply ; it’s only Mr. Robinson 
that has them in his hothouse. They don’t grow 
here.” 

“ Would he sell any, do you think ? ” the quavering 
tones asked again. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


203 


Oh, dear no ! They say he doesn’t even let the gar- 
dener pick the hothouse fruits for the table; that he 
always picks them himself.” 

He turned away with a sigh; hut all that night and 
the next day the thought of the fruit haunted him. 
Poor Mildred’s parched lips seemed to crave it from 
him, and as he remembered the avidity with which she 
ate the one given her, he was tormented by the thought 
that a few more might make her well. Late in the 
afternoon, when Mrs. Hogan came to resume her watch 
in the sick-room, and at the same time entreated him to 
take a turn in the air, he did not refuse with such deter- 
mination as he was accustomed to do ; and after a little 
while as Mildred seemed to slumber and her kind- 
hearted attendant quietly watched her, he put on his hat 
and left the house. He took his way to The Castle,” 
pausing when he reached the outskirts of the grounds, 
and passing his shriveled hand over his face as if he 
was in undecided and troubled thought. At length, con- 
quering his indecision, he went on with as much speed 
as his age and trembling limbs would permit, never 
pausing until he reached the part of the grounds where 
lay the greenhouses, — row upon row of them, — their 
glass sides glistening in the sunlight and the delicate 
plants within showing plainly through the crystal panes. 
While the old man looked in some bewilderment about 
him, a gardener appeared from one of the paths that 
wound among the shrubbery. Accustomed to see stran- 


204 : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


gers on the grounds, the man would have passed without 
any remark, but Grandfather BurchiU hailed him. 

Have you pomegranates growing here ? ’’ he asked 
in his quaking tones. 

Yes, a whole greenhouse full of ’em,” was the 
answer given quickly and with a true Yankee nasal 
twang. Like to see ’em growing ? ” he continued. 

Just look here,” and leading the way for a few steps, 
he pointed to a greenhouse, through the glass side of 
which the luscious fruit could be plainly seen. Indeed, 
one of the pomegranates seemed within a hand’s reach of 
the pane. The old man’s fingers twitched nervously, 
and his eyes seemed to devour the fruit, while his lips 
moved in a futile effort to speak. At last he clutched 
the gardener’s arm : 

I’ve a sick granddaughter at home. Would Mr. 
Hobinson sell or give me just one pomegranate for her ? 
She likes them and I think it would make her better.” 

The hard Yankee face became repellent at once: 

Ho one’s allowed to touch any hothouse fruits but 
Mr. Robinson himself, and I reckon old man, you’d ask 
a good while before he’d sell or give you any.” 

He turned away, rapidly disappearing down the path 
which continued to wind through the shrubbery. 

Poor old BurchiU cast another longing look at the 
fruit, and turned away also. But his granddaughter’s 
face rose before him; he seemed almost to feel the 
fevered breath from the parched lips which a pome- 



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REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


205 


granate would so refresh, and he again stood irresolute. 
The sun was setting, not a sound was to be heard save 
that of the insects which give to an evening in the 
country at certain seasons of the year such an inde- 
scribable peculiarity. I^^'ot a person was in sight. The 
temptation became stronger. With one rapid look 
around he dashed his hand through the glass and seized 
the pomegranate, the blood from his cut fingers dying 
the fruit; but in the same instant there was the deep 
bay of a dog, and in another moment the old man was 
down and firmly pinioned by the fangs of a hound. The 
gardener, not far distant, heard the cry of the dog and 
hastened back. 

So that’s what you were after ? ” he said, in no 
hurry to release the fallen old man ; reckon you’ll git 
enough of the pomegranates before you ever git the 
chance to steal another. Off, Maida,’^ to the dog who 
slowly took his fangs out of Burchill’s clothing. 

Burchill seemed scarcely able to stand. He was not 
hurt, except his badly cut hand, for the dog’s teeth had 
not penetrated to his flesh, but the shock had in some 
measure paralyzed him. When he recovered his voice, 
it was to beg for his release in piteous terms. But 
the gardener was a man too much after Bobinson’s own 
heart to be touched by any appeal that spoke alone to 
his feelings. Further, the theft was aggravated by the 
injury to the greenhouse; then his duty to his employer 
demanded the instant arrest of this aged thief. So to 


206 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


the house, despite every trembling protestation and en- 
treaty, the poor old man was led, and Mr. Robinson left 
his gay company to repair to his study for a moment and 
receive the complaint of the gardener. The gardener 
did not deem it necessary to tell BurchilFs pitiful tale 
of a sick granddaughter, nor did Robinson care either to 
see the culprit or to learn his name. He was indignant 
at the theft of his fruit, and simply ordered that such 
steps be taken as must insure to poor Burchill the full 
visitation of the law. Instead, therefore, of returning 
to Mildred, the old man was committed to the lockup. 
The Hogans grew uneasy at his absence, and Dick that 
night scoured the village before he obtained correct 
tidings of him. 

Robinson again,” he said through his teeth, when 
he heard at last, and he drew his hat over his face lest 
the man who had given him the information might see 
the ferocious scowl which overspread his features; but 
later when he told his wife and she wrung her hands in 
grief for the Burchills, tears stood in his own eyes, for 
his heart with all its surging passions of hatred and 
revenge, was tender as that of a woman. 

We must keep it from her,” said Mrs. Hogan, 
motioning to the room in which Mildred lay, now being 
watched by one of the neighbors ; and they did keep it 
from her, telling her, when in her intervals of conscious- 
ness she asked for her grandfather, that he was resting, 
or out walking. Hogan gained admittance to him, and 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


207 


he hardly recognized the feeble, emaciated form. He 
strove to cheer him, hut even the strong man broke 
down before the touching grief of the poor old creature. 
Catching Hogan’s hands, while t;he tears coursed down 
his shriveled cheeks, he said in a voice so cracked that 
the tremor which accompanied it made it the more 
pitiful : 

If they hadn’t taken me from Milly ; I was never 
away from her since she was born.” 

But they continued to keep him from Milly, to 
keep him for his trial, which in those days followed 
quicker upon arrest than it sometimes does now; and 
when he was led into the little court-room murmurs of 
compassion broke from more than one spectator. The 
gardener was there to press the complaint in the absence 
of his master, who had gone to Boston the day before, 
and the charge, with all its grim array of aggravated 
facts, was presented to the court. 

But it was for Milly,” spoke up the poor old culprit, 
who, quite ignorant of court proprieties, thought it 
allowable to press his own plea when he would. “ Milly 
was sick,” he continued and I stole it for her.” He 
was stopped then, hut his own emotion would scarcely 
have suffered him to proceed. Even into the hard, 
unsympathetic faces about him came an expression 
which showed how his plea had touched hearts that 
were rarely won by tender appeals, and the court with 


208 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


great leniency sentenced liim lightly. He was to spend 
three days in prison. 

Three days/^ he repeated, looking about him with 
a dazed air ; three days more from Milly. Oh, gentle- 
men, I couldn’t stand that.” 

But they hurried him away, and Hogan, who had left 
his work to be present at the trial, dashed his sleeve 
across his eyes as he hurried out. On that very night 
Mrs. Hogan was obliged to tell Mildred the truth about 
her grandfather. She sat up in the bed with seemingly 
supernatural strength when she heard it. 

Don’t, dear,” said Mrs. Hogan, trying to keep hack 
her tears ; don’t be trying your strength that way. 
Sure it will only be three days now until he’s home to 
us, and Dick will try to see him between whiles.” 

But Mildred made no reply. She only continued to 
sit up in the bed until her exhausted strength compelled 
her to recline, and when Mrs. Hogan, frightened at the 
very silence of the young girl, and the evidently stern 
determination which would recover strength, remon- 
strated with her, she only shook her head and sighed 
heavily. That strange determination bore her through. 
She left her bed the next day, and on the second day, 
accompanied by Mrs. Hogan, she went to the old man’s 
prison. She was admitted without much question, and 
there was a strange sympathetic look on the face of the 
man who conducted them to the little bare room in which 
Burchill was confined. He opened the door, and they 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


209 


went in, Mildred first. A woman was there, kneeling 
above some one who seemed to be extended on the 
floor, — a woman who turned on their entrance and 
looked up. She had flowers in her hands, and flowers 
were beside her, as if she had been engaged in an ar- 
rangement of them about that which lay beneath her, 
and then Mildred saw, through a blinding mist of her 
own overcharged feelings, her grandfather stretched on 
a low pallet and above him Barbara Balk. 

With one cry she was beside him, his dear old head 
in her arms, and her lips to his, but there was no re- 
sponse to her cry, and the lips she pressed were marble 
cold. Her grandfather was dead, and the flowers were 
strewn about him* 

14 


CHAPTEK XXV. 


Every day Mrs. Hogan sent or journeyed herself to 
the factory, to learn if Thurston had returned, the 
rumor among the factory hands being that he was ex- 
pected daily. It was not for herself, poor warmhearted 
creature, that she was so anxious, hut for Mildred. 
Overcome by the shock of her grandfather’s death, and 
prostrated by the reaction which set in after so violent 
a use of her suddenly acquired strength, she was obliged 
to take to her bed again. She became wildly delirious, 
and the fever that she had been fighting for days, re- 
turned with increased force. She knew no one, but her 
ravings were constantly of her grandfather, and while 
she called so piteously for him his interment took place 
from the home of the Hogans. While he lay waking,” 
Mrs. Hogan was astonished to receive a call from Miss 
Balk. Refusing to pass the threshold, she placed a 
little packet in Mrs. Hogan’s hands, with the request 
that its contents might be used for the old man’s burial ; 
then she stalked grimly away. On opening the little 
parcel money enough was found to defray amply all 
expenses. The woman looked at her husband, 

210 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


211 


What does it mean ? ’’ she said. But I think I 
understand it. She was with him when he died. The 
man in the jail told me how she came there that morn- 
ing, and after staying with him an hour, was hack in 
the afternoon in time to see him die. Well, God bless 
her ! Queer as people say she is, she has some soft 
spot in her heart — ’’ an opinion in which her husband 
fully concurred. 

Thurston returned at last. He was at his old place 
in the office of the factory, and in answer to Mrs. 
Hogan’s message desired her to be shown to his presence 
at once. He evidently expected some doleful account 
of her husband, but how was he startled to find that it 
concerned Miss Burchill. And such a tale! so full of 
grief and want; for the good woman concealed nothing 
that she knew of the poverty and sufferings of Mil- 
dred. 

Good God ! ” exclaimed Gerald, his face settling into 
that expression of sympathy which in a man gives evi- 
dence of rarely tender feelings. 

I was longing to tell you, Mr. Thurston,” she 
resumed, for it seems so hard to have the poor young 
creature wasting the way she is. She’s just able to sit 
up now, but she eats nothing and she droops so that it 
would go to anybody’s heart. She needs better care and 
nursing than I am able to give her, and I thought that 
by seeing you, you might think of some way to help her.” 

Gerald did not answer for a moment ; he seemed to be 


212 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


in deep thought. When he did speak, his voice had the 
troubled tone of one who is unhappily disturbed: 

Do what you can for her, Mrs. Hogan, and do not 
fear to call upon me for any money you may need,’’ 
drawing his wallet from his pocket as he spoke, and 
taking from it a considerable amount, which he placed 
in her hand. Then he continued, I shall see to-day 
what further can be done.” 

God bless you, Mr. Thurston ! Sure the poor had 
always a friend in you,” and she went away with her 
eyes and her heart full. 

That evening found Gerald recounting to Robinson, 
with some bitterness, the sad story he had heard. 

The poor old man’s theft might have been excused,” 
he said. It was brutal to make it a jail offense in his 
case.” 

Robinson’s small, greenish eyes had distended, and 
even his large, ill-shaped mouth partially opened in his 
surprise, so that his yellow, tusk-like teeth were some- 
what revealed. 

It’s the first I heerd of its being Miss Burchill’s 
grandfather, Gerald,” he answered ; and anyhow, I 
didn’t know nuthin’ about the case only what the 
gardener told me of the greenhouse bein’ smashed in; 
that made me pooty mad arter all the privileges I gives 
the public on the grounds. Besides, Miss Burchill 
needn’t ’ave wanted for something to do if she’d come 
to me, as I told her mother a good spell ago. But an 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


213 


idea has just popped into my head. There’s my niece, 
Cora, pining for some women folk to live with her, and 
studying all the books she brought with her from Boston. 
Why couldn’t Miss Burchill come here and teach her? 
She could live here ; the house is so big that a part of 
it could be set aside jist for her and Cora. She needn’t 
see anybody else, even at meals, if she’s squeamish about 
meeting us men folks. What do you say to that, 
Gerald?” 

Gerald seized upon the idea also ; it would be a com- 
plete change, not alone of scene but of life, for Miss 
Burchill, and affording the seclusion that Mr. Robinson 
offered, he felt that there was nothing in the proposition 
which could be repulsive to Mildred. 

So on the instant, he wrote to Mildred, prefacing his 
note by a few most delicately couched expressions of 
sympathy for her recent bereavement, and then in a 
very simple manner he stated Mr. Robinson’s proposi- 
tion, after which the note continued: 

Your charge of this little girl would be, I think, 
from my brief observation of her, a higher work than 
that of the mere teacher. She is an orphan, and from 
her face has a disposition for great good. Mr. Robin- 
son will give her quite up to your care, and in the moral 
training of little motherless Cora Horton, you may find, 
dear Miss Burchill, something to alleviate your own 
heavy sorrows and to compensate you for the charge 
you are asked to assume. It is Mr. Robinson’s wish that 


214 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


you should take all the time you may deem necessary to 
come to a decision, immediately after which we shall 
expect to hear from you. 

Yours sincerely, 

Gerald Thurston.’^ 

Mildred was in Mrs. Hogan^s little sitting-room try- 
ing to make some child^s garment, when that letter 
came. The work had fallen from her weak fingers, and 
she had been obliged to recline frequently ; but when the 
kind woman remonstrated with her, and fain would 
have removed the work, she said with such a touching 
smile : 

Please let me do it. I won’t think quite so much 
while I’m trying to he busy.” 

She read the letter with a suffocating emotion of 
surprise until she came to the little girl’s name ; then it 
fell from her hand, and she exclaimed to herself, while 
her eyes filled: 

Oh, if it would be, and that it became my task to 
teach her ! Oh, mother ! perhaps your prayers in heaven 
are bringing this about.” 

She resumed the letter, a vivid fiush dyeing her face 
as she felt more and more the delicacy and true kindness 
which inspired the writer. She read it for Mrs. Hogan, 
exclaiming when she had concluded : 

“ How did he know so much about me ? ” 

The woman’s guilty-looking countenance betrayed 
her. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


215 


“ You have told him/’ she exclaimed, reproachfully. 

Don’t blame me, dear, I couldn’t help it ; and see 
what it’s brought about, — a nice pretty home for you, 
such as you ought to have ; you will go, of course, Miss 
Burchill, as soon as you’re strong enough.” 

Miss Burchill’s own heart inclined her to the proposi- 
tion for more than one reason, and the next day Mr. 
Thurston had an answer of acceptance in a letter which 
expressed to him in simple terms her deep sense of 
gratitude. 

Having the prospect of this new life before her she 
seemed to recover more rapidly, and in a week she was 
able to leave the house. But her first journey was not 
to Mr. Robinson’s; it turned in the direction of Mrs. 
Phillips’ dwelling. With a wildly beating heart she 
lifted the knocker, and to her request to see Miss Balk, 
she was shown into one of the little rooms that opened 
from the hall. Though neatly and nicely furnished, it 
was evidently not the parlor, for the open room across 
the hall, and of which Mildred had a full view from 
where she sat, was much more elegantly furnished. 
While she waited she heard a rustling sound as if some 
one were entering the parlor from another direction ; in 
a moment Mrs. Phillips, resplendent in heavy black 
silk appeared. Seeing Mildred, she came hastily for- 
ward. 

You are Miss Burchill ? ” she said quickly. 

Mildred bowed. 


210 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


And you wish to see me ? ” she asked, her voice 
trembling in her eagerness. 

N'o. Miss Balk.” 

Miss Balk ! ” repeated Helen betrayed by her sur- 
prise into an exclamation and look of singular aston- 
ishment. 

At that moment Barbara was coming through the 
hall, and Mrs. Phillips hastily retired; not, however, 
without encountering Barbara. Each passed the other 
with a look of contempt. Mildred arose : 

I came. Miss Balk, to thank you in person for your 
kindness to my poor grandfather. I have been told 
that you were with him when he died,” her voice began 
to tremble, — and Mrs. Hogan has told me of your 
generous gift after his death.” Her tears, now uncon- 
trollable, suffused her eyes. 

It wasn’t necessary for you to come and thank me,” 
answered Barbara, in the same slow, cold tones she 
always used. I went to see the old man when I heard 
he was in prison, because he once tried in his own way 
to be kind to me. I have a wonderful memory. Miss 
Burchill,” there was a peculiar significance in her last 
words, — a memory for good turns and a memory for 
bad turns; I never forget either.” 

Will you tell me how he died ? ” Mildred ventured 
to ask, — whether he died realizing all his sad surround- 
ings, or — ” She was obliged to stop because of the 
sob which came into her throat. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


217 


There was a slight softening of the unfeminine tones, 
and a slight, very slight, tremor about the rigid mouth, 
as Barbara answered: 

He died easy enough ; a little raving, I take it ; 
but, for the rest, he wanted you.’’ 

Miss Burchill sobbed outright, and Miss Balk waited. 
The former recovered herself and said, while the tears 
glistened on her eyes and cheeks : 

I also. Miss Balk, never forget a kindness. Your 
charity, soothing as it did the last hours of a poor, 
friendless, imprisoned old man, has won my lasting 
gratitude. If, during your stay at my mother’s house, 
there was anything on my part to cause you annoyance 
or displeasure, I beg your pardon for it. I am going 
to a new home to-morrow to enter upon new duties, and 
I felt that God would bless me more if I came first and 
discharged this debt of obligation to you.” 

A moisture seemed to come into Miss Balk’s eyes, but 
if it was tears they disappeared too rapidly to allow one 
to be certain, and, instead of replying to Miss Burchill’s 
speech, she asked: 

Where are you going ? ” 

To Mr. Robinson’s to teach his niece.” 

A most peculiar expression broke over Barbara’s coun- 
tenance, one in which wonder and triumph mingled. 

To Mr. Robinson’s ” she repeated, in her usual 
tones. “ Well, Miss Burchill, you needn’t charge your- 
self with any gratitude to me. And now, good-day ! ” 


218 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


She did not extend her hand in any adieu, and she 
left Miss Burchill to find her own way out. What 
Mildred’s sensations were as she made her exit, unat- 
tended by even the servant to the door, she was hardly 
able herself to describe. Certainly her regard for Miss 
Balk was not increased, hut she kept repeating to her- 
self : 

She was kind in his last hours to poor, old, lonely 
grandfather.” 

Barbara sought Mrs. Phillips: 

Did you know that Mr. Bobinson had hired a 
governess for his niece ? ” 

^^o ; has he ? ” in a tone of quiet indifference. 

But her next remark was not so indifferently spoken 
when Barbara said: 

Yes; and the governess is Miss Burchill.” 

Did Miss Burchill give you this information ? ” 
Yes ; she came to secure my good will before enter- 
ing upon her new duties; perhaps to ask my blessing, 
if I’d given her any encouragement. 'No danger of her 
getting your blessing, is there, Helen ? ” 

And Miss Balk laughed her old, hard, malicious laugh, 
while Helen only looked; but it was a look which told 
how all the worst passions in her nature were roused, 
and a look that turned to a glare as Barbara resumed : 

Pleasant prospect for your plans, Helen ; the 
pretty, modest, and no doubt truthful ” — with a signifi- 
cant emphasis on the last word — Mildred Burchill 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


219 


Tinder the same roof with Gerald Thurston. Of what 
avail will be your wiles when he has her before him ? ” 
And again Barbara laughed. 

I could kill you or kill myself ! ” shrieked Helen, 
her face wearing an expression that not alone robbed it 
of all its loveliness, but lent to it a horrible distortion. 

I have no doubt of it,” replied Barbara, with pro- 
voking calmness. But I would advise you to step out 
of the world yourself; for, in the event of my going, 
there are documents to make certain exposures. Indeed, 
I don’t know but it might be well, since you have so 
frankly expressed your murderous desire, to confide in 
Miss Burchill, she seems to be so amiable and so grate- 
ful.” And without waiting for the burst of passion 
which threatened in Mrs. Phillips’ eyes, she left the 


room. 


CHAPTEK XXVL 


Miss Burchill went to her new home, and was 
installed in her new duties without seeing either Mr. 
Kobinson or Thurston. An upper servant, who seemed 
to be somewhat in the character of housekeeper, received 
her, showed her to an inviting suite of rooms which she 
was to occupy with her pupil, and voluntarily informed 
her that they were situated in a part of the house 
entirely remote from the rooms occupied by either Mr. 
Robinson or his guests ; that information Miss Burchill 
received with much inward satisfaction. The same 
loquacious domestic would have given her many more 
items of news regarding the house and its guests, but 
Mildred stopped her by requesting to see her pupil. 
The pupil came, entering in the shy, awkward way in 
which she was accustomed to meet strangers, and Mil- 
dred, at the first sight of the sallow face and great 
melancholy eyes, started and became so pale for a 
moment that the servant who had entered with the 
little girl thought she must be sick, and offered to get 
her some restorative. 

Xo, thank you,” was the gentle answer ; and going 

220 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


221 


forward, she saluted the child so kindly that she became 
reassured immediately. Of her own accord she extended 
her hand, and looking into Miss Burchilks frank, kind 
eyes, she said, with a childish sigh of relief: 

I am so glad you are the young lady that’s to live 
with me. I didn’t know hut uncle might ask Mrs. 
Phillips, and — Ugh ! ” A strange but very expressive 
shrug of the shoulders accompanied her last exclama- 
tion ; it made Mildred wonder. Tell me your name,” 
she said, retaining Miss Burchill’s hand. And being 
answered, she continued, I haven’t had any one to 
love me since mamma’s death. Will you love me ? ” 
The little mouth quivered, and the large eyes were 
misty with tears. Miss Burchill’s heart, tender from 
its own sensitiveness and aching from its late bereave- 
ment, was incapable of resisting such an appeal. She 
pressed the child to her, and her tears mingled with 
the little one’s sobs. That night, when Cora slumbered 
in her own room, one opening from Mildred’s chamber, 
Mildred took a small old-fashioned picture from her 
trunk and looked at it long and tearfully. It was that 
of a very young man, possibly not much beyond her own 
age, but the face was one of marked character, strong 
and full, and with an expression that evinced the restive- 
ness of the boyish heart. The eyes and the whole upper 
part of the countenance were exactly like those of Cora 
Horton. 

Oh, mother,” she murmured, if it should be ! 


222 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Then indeed by mj love and care of her, may I fulfil 
my promise to you. Heaven may not grant me a meet- 
ing with him, but it may have brought me to her. I 
cannot understand it,” she continued to soliloquize, still 
looking at the picture. If it should be she, how does 
she come to be Ms niece? But, no; I am utterly mis- 
taken ; it is only a strange chance which makes the name 
and the features alike.” 

She closed the case that contained the picture, and 
returned it to her trunk ; but, firmly resolved as she was 
to shut out the idea regarding her pupil which had 
found entrance to her mind, the idea maintained its 
place, and grew until it entered into all her relations 
with Cora; it produced at last an affection for her 
pupil as intense as though the two were indeed allied 
by blood. The child’s disposition was such as to win 
regard. Trank, confiding with those to whom she 
became attached, she had also a vein of penetration 
remarkable for her age; and she sometimes startled 
Mildred by the depth of her observations. Passionately 
fond of her books, she quickly learned from her teacher 
all that the teacher could impart. The avidity with 
which she studied gave evidence sometimes of a too 
premature mind. 

The seclusion was all that Robinson had promised, 
and beyond a brief note requesting Miss Burchill to 
make herself perfectly at home, and the arrival shortly 
after of a piano for the use of her pupil, she neither saw 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


223 


nor heard directly from him. Neither did she see 
Gerald, nor hear aught from him save a message deliv- 
ered by one of the servants, expressing the hope that 
she was well and contented. 

So the peaceful days wore on, and Cora seemed to 
lose her melancholy mien; a color often glowed in her 
cheeks, and her great eyes sometimes sparkled in a way 
that lit up the whole of her tawny face. The only time 
that she seemed to become her old, shy, strange self was 
when she returned from her evening visit to her uncle. 
He insisted on her company for a certain hour every 
evening, and on her return she was generally thoughtful 
and abstracted, and occasionally even acted with a 
strange timidity, starting at shadows, and clinging to 
Mildred^s hand as they passed from room to room. If 
she was agitated by fear, as she seemed to he, she never 
spoke of it, and when, on occasions, Mildred remon- 
strated with her she only shuddered. 

It was difficult to tell with what feeling she regarded 
her uncle. She did not often speak of him, — indeed, 
she was given to singular reticence regarding her 
relatives, — and when she did, it was with the manner 
of one who, while deeming it a duty to praise, was yet 
restrained by some secret hesitation. 

Miss Burchill had sent to know his wishes in regard 
to Cora’s music. Would he be willing to have her 
receive instruction at the residence of Professor Clar- 
mont? and the answer was an unqualified assent, and 


224 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


a strongly expressed desire that Miss Burchill would use 
her own judgment in every particular. 

He is very kind/’ said Mildred, secretly reproach- 
ing herself for her old unaccountable dislike of the 
factory owner. 

Yes, he is very good,” echoed Cora, who had heard 
the remark, and ” as if she were soliloquizing, I 
ought to love him, hut — ” She seemed to remember 
herself, and looking up, continued with a blush, \ do 
love him, because he is my poor, dear mamma’s brother.” 

Her words touched a responsive chord in Miss Bur- 
chill’s heart. Was not her affection given to some one 
for a similar cause? 

The musical instruction at Professor Clarmont’s was 
immediately begun, Mildred always accompanying her 
pupil, and the little Frenchman was delighted at meet- 
ing again his old promising scholar. In his delight and 
his belief in her vocal ability, he would have resumed 
his lessons to her for a mere nominal amount, but her 
heart was still too sore from its recent bereavements to 
allow her to take up immediately a study that had given 
so much enjoyment to the dear ones who had gone. To 
satisfy the little professor, however, she consented to 
■sing one of her old pieces on the conclusion of each of 
Cora’s lessons. Mrs. Phillips was not long in learning 
of their tri-weekly visits to Clarmont’s and she changed 
the hour of her own lesson so that it might immediately 
precede theirs; then she waited in an adjoining room^ 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


225 


where she heard all that Mildred sang. On the occasion 
of Cora’s third lesson she not only waited for the con- 
clusion of Miss Burchill’s song, but she lingered to meet 
the two. Half stifling Cora with a caress, she also 
extended a hand to Mildred : 

Miss Burchill, from all that I have heard of you, I 
am so delighted that you are dear little Cora’s governess. 
Mr. Kobinson told me how much satisfaction you gave.” 

Miss Burchill bowed slightly, and seemed anxious to 
depart, but Mrs. Phillips retained Cora’s hand. 

I am going to give myself the pleasure of walking 
home with you,” she said. Do you know, you 
naughty girl,” pinching Cora’s cheek, that you have 
neglected me since Miss Burchill came to you ? You 
have not been once to visit me, and when your uncle 
stopped the other afternoon, he said it was quite out of 
the question to get you away from your governess dur- 
ing the day. So to punish you, I am going all the way 
home with you. I must see the sanctum in which Miss 
Burchill and you seclude yourselves, and perhaps I 
shall induce Miss Burchill to give me lessons in some- 
thing,” with an arch, pretty look at Mildred, as if she 
rated Miss Burchill’s scholastic attainments far above 
her own. 

Thus lightly talking, and paying the most flattering 
attentions to the governess, she did accompany them 
home, and insist with playful freedom, on seeing their 
sanctum, as she called the room in which Mildred 
15 


226 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


instructed her pupil. When there, she professed to be 
delighted, turning over Cora’s books, and examining all 
her apparatus for study with the enjoyment of a viva- 
cious child. Certainly, Miss Burchill had never seen 
any one so lovely, and, despite a secret aversion which 
she could neither banish nor quite account for, the 
charm of that incomparably beautiful face, with its 
artless expression, was not without its effect upon her. 

Mrs. Phillips paused over a voluminous history that 
she had picked up, and in a minute danced to Miss 
Burchill. 

Will you,” she said, fastening her hands in a pretty, 
coaxing fashion on Mildred’s arm, allow me to come 
here every day or two and read history with you ? You 
know, owing to papa’s reverses, my education had to 
suffer somewhat, and, while I may have a smattering 
of the more elegant things, I am, no doubt, sadly 
deficient in what I should know. Will you. Miss Bur- 
chill ? ” as the latter was about to utter some disclaimer. 

It will he a useful break in the monotony of my life ; 
it will be something to keep away harrowing thoughts, 
for I have suffered so deeply.” 

She changed at once to a most touching picture of 
sorrow, — her head drooped, her eyes down, even her 
lips trembling as if it needed hut a word to make her 
grief burst forth. And Mildred, touched in spite of 
herself, gave a less qualified answer than she otherwise 
might have done: 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


m 

“ Mr. Robinson was her employer ; she did not know 
that such a disposition of her time would meet his 
approval.’’ 

Mrs. Phillips obviated the difficulty at once; she 
would see Mr. Robinson that very instant, and she 
departed to do so, leaving Mildred dissatisfied with 
herself, secretly annoyed, and not a little puzzled that 
she should be the object of such warm attention on the 
part of the beautiful and wealthy young widow. 

Her perplexity was rather increased when Cora 
asked, almost as soon as the door had closed on Mrs. 
Phillips: 

Do you like her ? ” 

There was such a determined emphasis on the second 
word of the question, and such a penetrating, eager 
look of the child’s eyes on Miss Burchill’s face, that 
Miss Burchill herself felt obliged to pause before giving 
a reply. The little girl waited without the least diminu- 
tion of her penetrating look. 

I have not yet seen enough of Mrs. Phillips to give 
a decided opinion,” was the answer at last ; and besides 
it is our duty to dislike no one.” 

No one ? ” said the little girl. Hot even if you 
can’t help a creeping feeling coming over you against a 
person? if you can’t help thinking that a person isn’t 
true, that they don’t mean just what they say ? ” 

Yes ; even if we experience all that,” answered 


228 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Mildred ; and we have no right to think anybody un- 
true just on our own suspicions or feelings. 

Well what would you do if you had just that feel- 
ing for a person? if you felt every time they touched 
you just like jumping away from them, and telling 
them you didn’t want them near you ? and if, every 
time they spoke and said such nice things, and seemed 
to think so much of you, you felt like saying to them 
they didn’t mean it, and it was all just lies they were 
telling?” 

In that case,” said Mildred, gravely and gently, 
I should try to find out all the nice, lovable qualities 
of such a person, and in constantly keeping those before 
my mind I should be likely to forget much that I dis- 
liked. But in any event, I ought to exert my will in 
such a manner that all aversion must be kept down; 
then also, it would be my duty to seize opportunities of 
being kind to such a person.” 

The child’s face fell. 

And do you think,” she said sorrowfully, that I 
ought to do all this with Mrs. Phillips ? I don’t know 
why, but I do dislike her.” 

Yes, Cora ; we know no evil of her, and we must 
think her very good and treat her accordingly.” 

So when Mrs. Phillips returned, armed with Robin- 
son’s cordial permission to read daily with Miss Bur- 
chill, she found herself quite kindly received by the 
governess and her pupil. And the widow did not fail 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


220 


to come a single day, and she availed herself of every 
opportunity to ingratiate herself with Miss Burchill; 
actually making secret studies of the character of Mil- 
dred, so that she might deport herself accordingly. 
She affected a horror of all fibbing, on more than one 
occasion inventing little instances in which her own 
truthfulness, having been put to severe test came out tri- 
umphantly, and relating the whole in a brief, unaf- 
fected way that seemed quite natural and simple. She 
was full of sympathy for the poor, asking all sorts of 
questions about the residents of the humbler part of the 
village, and quaintly wondering if their delicacy would 
he wounded should she make some charitable visits 
among them. 

She loved retirement. Was there not ample evidence 
of that in the fact, that though the midwinter influx of 
visitors to The Castle ’’ had already set in, she had so 
far refused every invitation to make one of them. The 
company of Miss Burchill and Cora afforded her, to 
use her own gushing words, repose and enjoyment.” 

Miss Burchill was somewhat won by it all, and when 
occasionally there came strange thoughts regarding Mrs. 
Phillips’ old engagement to Thurston, and she wondered 
whether that engagement had been justly and honorably 
severed by Miss Brower, she was accustomed to silence 
her doubts with the very reasoning she had used with 
her pupil. She knew no positive evil of the young 
widow. Why, then should she doubt her? And, thus 


m 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


throwing the mantle of her own tender charity over 
every suspicion, she continued to receive Mrs. Phillips 
with gentle kindness, and to inculcate in her pupil the 
same gentle, forgiving, tender goodness. 


CHAPTEE XXVIL 


Mrs. Phillips executed her project of visiting the 
poor. Dressed in the plainest of her sombre dresses, 
she passed an entire morning in calling at the homes in 
which Mildred had told her the greatest poverty existed, 
but her first care had been to make the acquaintance of 
Mrs. Hogan, for Miss Burchill had told her of the poor 
woman’s kindness to herself. Little did Mildred dream, 
when she gave that information, how it whetted Mrs. 
Phillips’ desire to see Mrs. Hogan jn order to satisfy her 
own secret suspicions. And the poor, simple woman 
was readily enough beguiled into conversation by the 
charming young widow. She told, with little effort to 
draw her out, all that she knew of Miss Burchill, and 
speaking of her brought her naturally enough to tell of 
the kindness of Gerald Thurston, both to herself and 
to Miss Burchill ; and Mrs. Phillips’ heart beat wildly 
while she heard, and her cheeks reddened from secret 
emotions of jealousy and anger, but when she spoke it 
was in the same sweet, low, gentle tones which she had 
first assumed. 

And Mr. Thurston continues his kindness to you, 
does he not ? Of course he visits you ? ” she said. 

231 


232 REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 

He goes to the shop once in a while to see Dick, 
but Dick is doing so well now that we can get along 
without Mr. Thurston’s help at' present.” 

There being no more to learn in reference either to 
Miss Burchill or Thurston, Mrs. Phillips took her 
leave, promising to come in often to see Mrs. Hogan, 
and leaving with her so generous a souvenir of her 
visit that the poor woman was quite overwhelmed. She 
had ascertained the names of a few of the poorest fam- 
ilies, and these also she visited, promising in the case 
of one where there was illness, to send some delicacies 
from home, and all the time her face wore its most 
captivating expression and her voice kept its sweetest 
tones, while inwardly she was filled with weariness and 
disgust. But Gerald might — nay, there was every pos- 
sibility that he would — hear of her charitable visita- 
tions; thus he would know there was also that in her 
character which she felt, or rather feared, that he ad- 
mired in Miss Burchill, and that was motive sufficient 
to make her trample on her heart, if necessary. 

Miss Balk, seeing Mrs. Phillips’ preparations for her 
charitable visits and not knowing the object, looked on 
with grim wonder. Jellies, sweetmeats, even soups, 
were put up, and the basket intrusted to the servant, 
while the widow without a word to Barbara, followed. 
But the latter followed the widow, and having ascer- 
tained the quarter to which she had gone, she readily 
enough understood the rest. Her lips came together 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 2321 

with their usual snap, and her keen eyes sparkled, but 
she did not' accost Helen about it until evening. 

How soon will Gerald Thurston know that you have 
turned Sister of Charity ? ’’ she said suddenly. 

And how do you know that I have done so ? was 
the retort: 

I followed you this morning to learn the destination 
of the basket you gave Lida.’^ 

You are a mean, sneaking spy, Barbara Balk.’’ 

And you are an artful hypocrite, Mrs. Phillips.” 

How dare you pry into my business the way you 
do?” 

Because your hypocrisy amuses me. You are so 
short-sighted that you fail utterly to see how impossible 
it is for your little games to win. Thurston has too 
much character ever to recover from his disgust at your 
perfidy. But scheme on, Mrs. Phillips, flutter around 
the flame of your own vanity until it consumes you.” 

Helen scarcely heard the last word; she had hurried 
from the room, violently slamming the door behind her. 


CHAPTEK XXVIII. 


The midwinter visitors had gone from Robinson’s, 
and the early springtime, with its fresh green fragrance, 
had come. It was the season of the year which Mildred 
most enjoyed, and were it not for the persistent and 
constant company of Mrs. Phillips she would have been 
quite happy. That little lady might almost have taken 
up her residence in The Castle, so many hours daily 
did she spend there. Her secret hope of meeting Thurs- 
ton was disappointed ; neither he nor Robinson were ever 
seen by any chance in the part of the house or the 
grounds to which Miss Burchill and her pupil chose to 
confine themselves. 

One afternoon when all three were returning from 
Professor Clarmont’s, Mrs. Phillips suggested that in- 
stead of entering the grounds by the narrow pedestrian 
path they always took, they should follow the carriage 
road, the high gate of which, contrary to the custom, 
stood open. Cora, too, favored the proposition, and 
Mildred, knowing they could swerve into a secluded 
spot before they reached the house should it become nec- 
essary, consented. The widow seemed animated by 
234 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


235 


some spirit of playful mischief. 'No sooner had they 
crossed the boundary that separated the carriage-way 
from the main road than she sprang on the paling of 
the gate, challenging Cora to the same feat. As there 
was no one in sight, Miss Burchill would not check her 
pupil’s vivacity, and the girl, catching the spirit of 
active mirth, jumped up beside Mrs. Phillips. They 
swung to and fro for some minutes, laughing at the odd 
sport, and finally closed the gate. Then all three pur- 
sued their way, not one of them seeming to think that 
they ought, perhaps, to leave the gate as they found it, 
or not deeming it necessary to do so, as the lodge-keeper 
would probably attend to it. Having proceeded a little 
distance, they heard the sound of swift, almost furious 
driving. A curve in the road hid the vehicle, and in an 
instant Mildred thought of the closed gate. Possibly it 
had been left open for the egress of this vehicle, driven 
at such a rapid rate that the driver might he unable to 
check his horse in time. With a hurried cry of The 
gate ! ” to her companions she dashed back by the road 
they had come. It was a vehicle furiously driven, the 
horse either having taken fright or having become un- 
manageable through temper, and the driver being 
utterly unable, though he strained every nerve, to check 
the pace of the animal. Mrs. Phillips and Cora fled 
with terrified screams to the side of the road, the 
former in her fright not recognizing Thurston in the 
driver, while Mildred, having reached the gate, swung 


236 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


it open, but too late to escape herself. The vehicle 
dashed through, knocking her down and rendering her 
insensible. Thurston saw the accident, but was unable 
to stop his horse until parties in the road caught the 
mettlesome beast ; then he returned to find Mrs. 
Phillips and Cora bending over Mildred. The gate- 
keeper was also on the scene, apologizing for his absence 
at the time of the accident, but insisting that he had left 
the gate open while he went to perform a brief errand. 
Mrs. Phillips was in no hurry to tell how she had been 
the means of closing it, but Cora spoke up, her eyes full 
of tears. 

Yes, it was open, but Mrs. Phillips and I swung on 
it and shut it.” 

All this time Gerald did not notice his stepmother; 
indeed, he seemed utterly oblivious of her presence, 
giving his whole attention to the unconscious girl at 
his feet. 

We must send to the house for a litter of some sort,” 
he said, addressing himself to the gate-keeper, who had 
brought water and vinegar and a sponge, all that he 
could think of in the way of restoratives. 

Miss Burchill was recovering. She opened her eyes, 
and seeing who was above her she blushed violently. 

You are better. Miss Burchill ? ” asked Gerald 
gently, but with such a concern in his tones that it made 
Mrs. Phillips sick for a moment. 

Much better,” she answered, but the tone of her 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 237 

voice indicated weakness still, and sitting up, she con- 
tinued, I think I can walk to the house now.” 

Her effort was futile, for as soon as she attempted to 
stand she discovered that one foot was badly sprained. 

Gerald turned to Helen; it was his first recognition 
of her : 

Will you be kind enough to go to the house and 
summon help ? They can bring one of the easy summer 
chairs ; in that way we can get our sufferer home.” 

Did he single her out for the errand in order to free 
himself of her presence ? Mrs. Phillips felt it to he so, 
and, while she raged secretly, outwardly she responded 
by a most charming smile of assent and instantaneous 
departure on the errand. 

The gate-keeper brought a chair, and as Thurston 
assisted to place Mildred comfortably upon it, he said 
regretfully. 

I am the cause of your hurt, and I am under an 
obligation , to you. Were it not for your forethought in 
running to open the gate, my neck might have been in 
jeopardy. The horse is one which Mr. Kobinson has 
recently bought ; he was anxious for me to try him, hut 
I had no idea he had so much mettle in him.” 

I did not know that it was for you I opened the 
gate,” answered Mildred ; but since it is so, I am glad, 
for I owe you a deep obligation. I feel it is through 
you I have my present home.” 

Is it a pleasant one ? Are you quite happy ? ” and 


238 


KEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Gerald looked for an instant into her eyes, and seemed 
to await quite eagerly her answer. 

The home is a very pleasant one,’’ she answered. 

But are you happy ? ” he persisted. Do you 
suffer from any intrusion ? ” as if he divined why she 
did not answer his second question. 

I ought not to permit myself to suffer from any- 
thing,” she answered, evasively, and with a smile; 

since so pleasant a home has been given me, I should 
be content to sacrifice my own feelings on many 
occasions.” 

There was no opportunity then for the reply he was 
about to make, for Mrs. Phillips arrived, followed by 
a couple of servants bearing a large easy-chair. Mildred 
was gently seated in it, and with Thurston on one side 
and Helen and Cora on the other, she was borne to the 
house. The sprain proved to be very tedious, confining 
its victim to her room for weeks, and affording a golden 
opportunity for Mrs. Phillips to take up her residence 
at The Castle under pretence of most affectionate con- 
cern for the young governess. She refused to leave her, 
and Mildred shut her teeth a little hard in her effort to 
keep hack an indignant protest against the widow’s 
persistent attentions. Accustomed as she was to self- 
sacrifice, for the sake of showing a gentle, kindly 
example to her pupil, the effort, after the first desperate 
struggle, became less hard. 

Thurston and Kobinson sent every day kind messages 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


239 


to Miss Burchill, and frequently there was a choice 
bouquet, accompanied by the compliments of Gerald. 
How Mrs. Phillips^ heart beat as she saw those flowers 
and knew for whom they were; how blinding tears of 
rage and jealousy filled her eyes as she caught their odor, 
and how she could have throttled Mildred as she saw 
the young girl bend above them with a blush of 
pleasure. 

The season for Mr. Robinson’s gay summer party of 
friends had arrived, and the part of the house in which 
apartments were usually assigned them resounded with 
the work of painters and upholsterers. On the very day 
on which they were expected, Thurston was surprised 
to receive a note from his old friend Rodney. 

Don’t be surprised,” the note ran, to see me up at 
your place this evening. Prank Hutchins, the same 
from whom I obtained the letter introducing you to 
Robinson, insists on my accompanying him and the rest 
of the party that go up to ^ The Castle ’ every summer. 
He says old Robinson gives them all a capital time, and 
a carte-hlanche to make any addition to the party they 
desire. How as I have a great wish to see how you are 
looking, Gerald, after these two years, I shall avail 
myself of the invitation. And Frank tells me that your 
charming stepmother made one of Robinson’s gay 
party last summer. Do you think the old man would 
like to make her Mrs. Robinson ? Miller says he can’t 


240 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


understand Mrs. Phillips’ mode of living, shutting her- 
self up in the same little old country dwelling — you see 
he has to make annual visits to her in order to regulate 
business matters — she lived in when she was poor, and 
spending scarcely anything of her immense fortune. 
How do you meet her, Gerald, or do you keep as shady 
as Prank says you did last winter when all the company 
was up there ? He says he never caught a glimpse of 
you. If you do that now, Gerald, I shall think that 
your heart isn’t cured yet. Widows stick, my boy, like 
plasters sometimes. 

In any event be ready to greet me this evening. 

Yours as ever, 

“ Rodney.” 


CHAPTEE XXIX. 


XoT going down to the parlor, with all that music 
making your ears itch, and our host himself in jollier 
mood than I ever thought he could be from his face. 
Why, Gerald, I shall begin to think you’re a lovelorn 
swain after all, and that your stepmother’s face hasn’t 
lost its hold on your heart.” 

Gerald smiled a little scornfully, not taking the 
trouble to utter any disclaimer, knowing Eodney’s pro- 
pensity to joke if it was possible on all affairs, grave or 
gay, and Eodney continued. 

Come now, Gerald ; none of this folly while I am 
here,” and catching the sound of a manly foot passing 
the door, accompanied by a gay strain in a manly voice, 
he suddenly interrupted himself to rush to the corridor, 
and forced the passer-by to enter. Here, Frank, use 
your powers of persuasiveness to get Thurston down-* 
stairs. We’re to have all sorts of jolly things: music, 
vocal and instrumental,” — imitating the accents of a 
stage crier announcing the items on a programme of 
amusement, — parties for euchre and parties for whist, 
rum stories and stories without rum, courting parties 
and parties who don’t pay court to anybody,” with a 
16 241 


242 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


significant glance at Gerald. Is it not all so, Frank ? ” 
addressing the newcomer, a tall, handsome man of 
thirty-five or forty. The newcomer assented, and imme- 
diately began also in so bantering a strain that Gerald, 
in sheer desperation as to how he should escape from 
his jocose tormentors, agreed to join them in the parlor 
that evening. 

Accordingly, an hour later found him in the parlor, 
mingling with the guests with that easy courtesy which 
marks the genial and well-bred man. Robinson evinced 
both surprise and delight at his presence, making jocular 
allusions to the retirement which Gerald had affected in 
the past, and declaring now that he knew what a thor- 
oughly good fellow he was in society, he must make one 
of the gay company while they stayed. And Gerald 
somewhat won by the cordial festivity about him, an 
atmosphere to which he was long unused, did not entirely 
refuse. 

!hrot a sound of the evening^s entertainment reached 
the apartments occupied by Mildred and her pupil, and 
though both knew of the arrival of the visitors, neither 
seemed anxious to mingle in any of the sports. Even 
though Cora knew many of the guests from the inter- 
course with them which her uncle formerly insisted 
upon, she did not express the slightest desire to see 
them. Mrs. Phillips, however, though in the presence 
of Miss Burchill affecting the same unconcern, was far 
from being so indifferent. On one of her daily visits 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


24a 

she contrived to waylay a servant, and by skilfully put 
questions ascertained that Thurston really made one of 
the gay party in the evenings. That decided her. She 
must be near him, within sight of him, even though it 
was but to bring upon herself his scorn. Making an 
excuse for calling upon Mr. Robinson she affected to be 
much concerned for the isolation of Cora. The little 
girl had no society, and now, while there was company 
in the house, it seemed cruel not to insist that she should 
come into the parlor in the evenings. Of course while 
Miss Burchill, to whom Cora was so strongly attached, 
courted such strict seclusion, it was natural the latter 
would also incline to it. But if Mr. Robinson would 
insist upon his niece joining the company, Mrs. Phil- 
lips would sacrifice her feelings on the matter of retire- 
ment for the sake of chaperoning the little girl. 

Suppose I request Miss Burchill to come too ? ” said 
the factory owner. She^s been here more’n a year, 
and them feelings about secludin’ herself mayn’t be 
quite so strong now.” 

Oh, dear no, Mr. Robinson ! ” answered Helen, who 
would have fainted at the prospect of Mildred appearing 
in the parlor ; it wouldn’t be a bit of use. Indeed, I 
think such a request would make her positively 
unhappy.” 

Oh, well then, I wouldn’t do anything to make her 
unhappy, and you jist tell Cora that I want her in the 
parlor this evening with you.” 


244 REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 

And Mrs. Phillips went directly to Miss Burchill 
and announced that she had met Mr. Robinson, and the 
result of that meeting was a request for her to bring 
Cora to the parlor that evening, the request being put in 
such a manner that it seemed like a duty to fulfil it. 

And I spoke of you, dear Miss Burchill,” she con- 
tinued in the same affectionately confiding manner 
which she always assumed with Mildred, urging upon 
Mr. Robinson the propriety of your accompanying Cora, 
but he said he would not for anything disturb that 
which he so admired in you, — ^your love of seclusion.” 

To which Miss Burchill answered nothing. But when 
evening came, Cora herself demurred, and it required 
all the gentle persuasion of Mildred to win her consent 
at last. 

Mrs. Phillips looked radiant ; her dress of pure white 
material was unrelieved by any color, or even trimmings, 
save the filmy lace which covered her neck and arms. 
With her dark hair and exquisite complexion she seemed 
like some brilliant picture, as she entered Miss Bur- 
chill’s room to await the coming of Cora, and the gover- 
ness for an instant was conscious of something very like 
a throb of envy. Cora wore white also, and though by 
the side of Mrs. Phillips she appeared somewhat plain, 
seen by herself she seemed almost handsome. 

There was a gracefulness about the beautiful widow 
which made her motions as delightful to watch as it was 
to gaze upon her face, and being known to many of the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


246 


guests from her introduction to them the previous 
summer, she was entirely free from any embarrassment. 
Surrounded immediately, she found herself the object 
of attention in some measure from every one save 
Thurston. He merely bowed to her, and with so grave 
and distant an air that it cut her to the heart. She 
manoeuvred to get near him, and for that purpose 
encouraged the attentions of Hutchins, rather more 
than the other gentlemen, for she had noticed that 
Gerald seemed more intimate with Hutchins. She recog- 
nized Rodney, and even attempted to fascinate him, but 
he appeared to regard her efforts in that direction much 
as one might the antics of an unknown and somewhat 
to be feared animal. Once he said in an undertone to 
Gerald when the charming widow seemed to be carrying 
all hearts, — 

She is a beautiful little devil, Gerald, I wouldnT be 
surprised, and I wouldnT blame you much, if your heart 
wandered that way yet.” 

Rodney never forgot the look which accompanied 
Gerald^s answer, — a look so fraught with pain and 
horror. 

My heart to wander to her yet, — my father’s mur- 
deress and destroyer of my own happiness ? I tell you, 
Rodney, I hate her.” 

Mrs. Phillips manoeuvred so successfully that she 
did on one occasion obtain a seat next to Gerald, between 
him and Hutchins; but what was her mortification to 


246 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


have the former quietly leave it, and devote himself to 
little Cora Horton in a distant part of the room ? She 
was asked to sing, but begged to be excused, as she had 
not sung in company since her widowhood; and all this 
was said with the very prettiest affectation of tender 
melancholy. Most of the company knew that she was 
the widow of Thurston’s father, the whole strange story 
having gone the rounds on their previous summer visit, 
when Robinson introduced her; but no one of them 
dreamed that there was any deeper history relative to 
herself and Gerald. So while they wondered that 
Thurston was so little impressed by a beauty and charm 
of manner which in their own case was resistless, they 
fancied they understood it. The fact that she was his 
father’s widow, and in possession of wealth which might 
otherwise be his, was sufficient to account for his distant 
demeanor. 

When the gay party separated, each to the apartment 
assigned, Mrs. Phillips, who, during the evening, had 
been solicited by Robinson to make The Castle hei 
home while the visitors remained, repaired to the apart- 
ment given her. She entered it with emotions which 
well-nigh stifled her. All her beauty and all her art had 
failed to win even one pleasant recognition from Gerald. 

At that same moment Gerald was asking Robinson : 

Why was not Miss Burchill in the parlor with 
Cora?” 

Miss Burchill ! Why, Mrs. Phillips told me that it 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


wouldn^t be no use asking her, she’s so deuced fond of 
seclusion and all that. I wanted to have her down, but 
the little widow seemed to think I’d make Miss Burchill 
unhappy if I asked her.” 

Gerald bit his lip, and looked as if he was trying to 
restrain some unpleasant speech. 

I’d like to have Miss Burchill meet the company 
well enough,” pursued Robinson. She’s a pooty girl, 
if she isn’t so pooty as the widow, and I don’t want her 
to hide herself the way she does. Jist you ask her down 
to-morrow night, Gerald.” 

The next morning Mildred received a note from 
Thurston, respectfully but warmly requesting her in 
the name of Mr. Robinson to join the company that 
evening. 

I also, Miss Burchill,” the note continued, shall 
be delighted to have you accede to the request. I could 
not but think last evening, when I saw your little charge, 
of your loneliness in your secluded part of the house, 
indeed, I was much surprised to find that you had not 
accompanied her; but, expecting to have the pleasure 
of meeting you this evening, 

I remain 
Yours sincerely, 

“ Gerald Thurston.” 


Mildred smiled and blushed with pleasure, and when 


248 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Mrs. Phillips came dancing in, preparatory to a descent 
to breakfast with the guests, Miss Burchill innocently 
told her of Thurston’s note. 

It became necessary for the widow to adjust such a 
portion of her dress as required her to turn her face 
away from Miss Burchill. By that means her changing 
color and expression were unseen. When she turned 
back there was not a trace of her baneful emotions, and 
she said, with her wonted sweetness : 

Mr. Robinson will not enforce his request when you 
answer the note, stating your insurmountable objection 
to join the company. If you will write it immediately, 
addressing it to Mr. Thurston, I can give it to him before 
he goes to the factory.” 

She seized this pretext with a wild hope that it would 
be the means of bringing her into that contact with 
Gerald which she so much desired. 

Cora coming in, had to be made acquainted with the 
matter under discussion, and she impetuously burst 
forth : 

Don’t refuse. Miss Burchill. It will be so delightful 
for me to have you come; for the gentlemen all crowd 
around Mrs. Phillips, and she hasn’t any chance to 
attend to me.” 

You naughty girl to tell such tales,” interposed Mrs. 
Phillips, playfully pinching the girl’s cheek. 

Mildred replied: 

I am not sure that it would be quite right for me to 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


249 


refuse since both Mr. Robinson and Mr. Thurston are 
kind enough to desire it so much.” 

But they will not expect you to violate your princi- 
ples, my dear Miss Burchill,” said Mrs. Phillips again, 
once that they know ” 

She was suddenly checked by meeting Cora’s eyes. 
The latter were fixed upon her with a look so keen and 
penetrating that she stopped in some dismay. Did the 
child understand the motive of her speech? But Mil- 
dred in her abstraction was quite unconscious of any 
but the literal meaning of Mrs. Phillips’ words, and in 
a few minutes, much to Cora’s delight she said, with the 
quiet tones of one who had convincingly made up her 
mind : 

I shall go down to the parlor, this evening.” 

To the parlor accordingly the three descended that 
evening, Mrs. Phillips as radiant as she had been on the 
previous night, and Mildred looking very modest and 
very pretty in her simple dress. Cora had insisted upon 
enlivening it with natural flowers, and they seemed to 
add to the sweet purity of th.e regular features. Mrs. 
Phillips assumed the role of chaperon, and not for one 
instant was Mildred suffered from her side; but she 
conducted her espionage in such a manner that the 
young governess thought it sprung from genuine kind- 
ness, and she was accordingly grateful. Even when 
Thurston came up with his salutation, he was obliged 
to have Mrs. Phillips hear every word that he said. 


^50 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


His greeting of his stepmother had been exceedingly 
formal, at which Mildred wondered, and thought more 
persistently than ever that Helen must have inflicted 
some injury upon him in severing the engagement and 
marrying his father. But with her wonted charity she 
stifled the thought. 

On one occasion Mrs. Phillips could not avoid being 
separated from Miss Burchill owing to Hutchins’ atten- 
tions to herself, hut as Thurston was engaged with Cora 
Horton in another part of the room, and Mildred was 
instantly monopolized by an elderly gentleman, who, 
having been told that she was the governess, wanted 
some ideas on teaching for the guidance of his own 
little daughter, she was not entirely dissatisfled. Hand- 
some, infatuated Frank Hutchins would lead her to a 
part of the room which promised more seclusion, and 
as it was in the vicinity of Thurston, Mrs. Phillips 
willingly assented. They obtained cosy seats just in 
advance of Gerald and his little chatty companion, and 
near enough to hear every word of their conversation. 

You will ask her to sing that aria, Mr. Thurston,” 
Cora was saying. Why, Professor Clarmont said 
only the other day there was no better rendering of it 
on the operatic stage.” 

Mrs. Phillips was really faint; too well she knew of 
whom Cora spoke, and to have Gerald hear Miss Burch- 
ill’s magnificent voice in that piece, which Helen had to 
acknowledge secretly she sang superbly, would have been 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 251 

death to Mrs. Phillips. With an excuse to the astonished 
Hutchins, she hurried from him to Mildred. 

Oh, Miss Burchill,’’ she said, drawing the latter 
aside, I have just been prevailed upon to promise to 
sing some time during the evening but that which I 
sing best happens to be the aria which you also sing. 
You too will probably be called upon, and I came to ask 
you as a special favor that you would not sing it, for 
should you sing before me I could not of course attempt 
it after, and should I precede you it would subject me 
to much mortification, since my voice is so inferior to 
yours.” 

Mildred, in her simple credulousness, readily enough 
gave an assent. It was not much of a sacrifice, for she 
had not thought of being asked to display her voice. 
But she could not help regretting her promise when, a 
little after, Thurston finding her at last free from the 
espionage of Mrs. Phillips (the latter had returned to 
Hutchins) came to her and asked her to sing that very 
aria. She refused him as gently as she could, and with- 
out stating her reason. Gerald attributed her refusal to 
a possible shyness which would speedily wear off, and he 
contented himself in conversing with her, deriving not 
a little pleasure as he fathomed the richness of her mind. 
He had denied himself female society so long, and he 
had dwelt so continually with the memory of that burn- 
ing wrong which one woman whom he had once adored 
had inflicted upon him, that Mildred with her unaffected 


252 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


simplicity and candor, so full of gentleness and charity, 
was like a meal set before some famished one, while 
Mildred, never before in such congenial society, con- 
versed with equal pleasure. In the midst of their 
mutual enjoyment the strains of a song broke upon their 
ears. It was Mrs. Phillips, who had been led to the 
piano by Hutchins. On her return to him she had so 
managed that, despite her positive refusal to sing on 
the previous evening, he had again requested to hear 
her, and she sang the aria that Thurston had solicited 
from Mildred. The latter started as she heard it, and 
slightly changed color. Gerald noted both ; it seemed to 
give him a sudden divination. He bent toward Mil- 
dred and asked : 

Did you know that,” — ^he would not pronounce his 
father’s name, and so he hesitated for an instant — 
that lady was going to sing that piece when I requested 
it from you ? ” 

Always truthful, Mildred answered in the affirmative, 
but she blushed violently while she did so. 

P ardon me. Miss Burchill, if I pnt one more ques- 
tion. Did she tell you she was going to sing it ? ” 
Again Mildred was obliged to answer in the affirma- 
tive, and Gerald made no further remark, but he fancied 
he quite understood it. Mrs. Phillips’ performance 
was greeted by very flattering applause, and before the 
latter had quite subsided, Gerald bent agaiu to Mildred 
and said: 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


253 


I want you to do me a favor, Miss Burchill. I 
want you to sing something. Come, I shall lead you to 
the piano.” And Mrs. Phillips, as she left the instru- 
ment, leaning gracefully on the arm of Hutchins, was 
greeted by the sight of Miss Burchill on the arm of 
Thurston, and in a few moments after by the sound of 
Miss Burchill’s magnificent voice. Clear, loud, and 
ravishingly sweet, it filled the room, and invested the 
simple ballad she had chosen with an exquisite charm. 
Mrs. Phillips could not listen to it; she must suffocate 
if she heard another note, and telling Hutchins she felt 
ill, he took her out to one of the broad piazzas. 

The applause which greeted Miss Burchill’s effort 
was rapturous, and the company pressed about her for 
another song. When at length, she left the piano, lean- 
ing upon Gerald’s arm, it was with a complexion so 
bright from blushes of pleasure that it well-nigh rivaled 
Mrs. Phillips’, and the blushes became deeper when 
Gerald whispered ; 

Kegard me always as your true friend. Miss Burch- 
ill, and do not hesitate to call upon me for any assist- 
ance.” 

With a thankful and delighted heart she went to her 
rest that night, while at scarcely the distance of a 
corridor another woman went to her rest weeping 
copious tears of jealousy and rage. 


CHAPTEK XXX. 


Miss Bukchill came to make regularly one of the 
gay party every evening, and Thurston seemed positively 
to watch for opportunities in which he could snatch, 
as it were, Mildred from Mrs. Phillips, the latter being 
as persistent in her espionage of the governess as ever. 
One evening there was discussed the feasibility of a 
moonlight ride in a coach to one of the villages 
fifteen miles distant from Eastbury. There being no 
dissenting voice, the date was soon fixed. Gerald 
watched an opportunity to whisper to Mildred : 

Remember, that I claim you as my partner.” That 
was all he had time to say, for Mrs. Phillips was upon 
them. 

And with whom are you to ride. Miss Burchill ? ” 
the widow asked on the very next morning after the 
arrangements had been completed. 

With Mr. Thurston.” 

Ah ! ” The interjection was a sort of vent for the 
agony with which she heard the announcement. And 
with whom,” she continued, trying to laugh, but almost 
failing in the attempt, do you think I am to ride ? ” 

With Mr. Hutchins, I suppose, judging from the 

254 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


255 


marked attentions he pays you/’ answered Mildred, 
with a smile. 

No, indeed ; I had to relegate him to Cora here, as 
I was asked first by Mr. Kobinson. So, I am going to 
ride with him. And now, Milly dear,” latterly having 
taken to calling Miss Burchill by a pet diminutive, 
what wrap are you going to wear ? I really have 
nothing suitable, and I want you to advise me what to 
have made up.” 

I have nothing but this,” said Mildred bringing 
forth an ample black cape with a hood attached; the 
latter could be drawn over the head in such a manner as 
to conceal much of the features. 

Just the thing,” said Mrs. Phillips, and I should 
have remembered it, for you have worn it every evening 
that we have gone down to the lake. Will you let me 
take it for a pattern? and I can have mine made up 
immediately.” 

Certainly,” assented Mildred, and the widow sent 
that very day to Boston an order for a cape on Miss 
BurchilFs pattern. It came home to her entire satisfac- 
tion, and as she surveyed herself in the glass she smiled 
triumphantly. Her height and the proportions of her 
figure were so like those of Mildred that, with her 
features fairly concealed by the hood, she might be 
taken with little difficulty for the governess. Her plan 
was scarcely defined in her own mind, nor had she much 
hope of carrying it out did she form it ; but in any case, 


256 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


she was ready to take advantage of any fortunate 
accident. 

The evening arrived, and though the moon coquet- 
tishly hid herself, it was confidently expected that she 
would appear before the party started ; all was delighted 
bustle in the apartments of the ladies, and gay voices 
and bursts of laughter whetted even the servants^ appe- 
tites for the fun, as the latter passed through the cor- 
ridors. Mrs. Phillips was constantly flitting from her 
own room to that of Mildred ; now assisting the latter to 
dress, now coming for an opinion on some part of her 
own costume, and all the time so full of vivacity that 
Cora, and even Miss Burchill, caught something of the 
gay spirit and laughed heartily at her mirthful sallies. 

But she contrived to be very tedious in the making 
of her toilet, and to delay also the toilet of the governess. 
Cora was ready and impatiently waiting long before 
even Mrs. Phillips’ hair was quite arranged; and she 
was urged to go down, which persuasion she obeyed 
when she found, at length, that there was little prospect 
of her companions being ready very soon, owing to the 
widow’s constantly increasing need of Miss Burchill’s 
assistance. Hardly had she gone when a message from 
Thurston was brought to Miss Burchill, desiring the 
latter, when she was ready, to come to the porch at the 
back of the house. The message further explained that, 
as one of the horses seemed too ill to be taken out, it 
became necessary for some one to ride the mettlesome 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


257 


animal which so nearly had cost a life a few months 
before. His spirit was much broken by this time, but 
there still remained in him a vicious peculiarity : driven 
immediately from the stable he was manageable enough, 
but allowed to wait in the near vicinity of the other 
horses he was sure to return to his old freaks. As 
Gerald has thus far broken the animal’s spirit, and 
understood him thoroughly, he had not the least fear to 
drive him on this occasion. Miss Burchill was requested 
to come to the back of the house, because thence a 
short path led to the stable, and the moon, now fulfilling 
the hopes of the party and shining brilliantly, would 
reveal her to Gerald, who would wait at the stable door. 
He could then drive up, seat her instantaneously in the 
wagon and follow the rest of the party, all of which 
explanatory message Mrs. Phillips also heard. 

She pretended to assist Mildred, while in an incred- 
ibly short time, considering her previous slowness, she 
was herself quite ready; and as Miss Burchill could 
find neither gloves nor handkerchief, though positive 
that she had left both on her dressing-table, and as the 
fastening of her cape, much to her surprise, was sud- 
denly discovered to hang by a single thread, and her 
hair, which Mrs. Phillips had arranged, threatened to 
tumble about her shoulders, the widow said gently: 

Had I not better go down, dear, and apologize to 
Mr. Thurston for so unfortunately detaining him, and 
also appease Mr. Kobinson’s impatience ? ” 

17 


258 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Mildred assented, and the widow swiftly descended, 
muffling her face on the way so that her features could 
not be well detected, and feeling in her pocket to be 
assured of the safety of Mildred’s gloves and handker- 
chief. The broad back porch contained no one, and she 
stood fearlessly in the moonlight, confident that Gerald 
would mistake her for Mildred. Her only anxiety was 
lest Miss Burchill should descend before Thurston could 
drive off : but then she was confident about the tumbling 
of Miss Burchill’s hair, she having arranged it in such 
loose coils that the whole must come dovm with any 
prolonged or rapid movement of the head. Gerald 
intent alone upon the skilful management of his horse, 
did little more than assure himself that there was a 
woman’s form on the porch. He drove up; Helen was 
beside him in a moment, and the chaise was rapidly 
driven on. 

Mildred could scarcely control her temper. It seemed 
as if annoyances accumulated. It required time to get 
a fresh supply of gloves and a handkerchief, and time to 
secure the fastening of her cape, while to complete her 
vexation, her hair at the last moment came tumbling 
about her shoulders. How she regretted having yielded 
to Mrs. Phillips’ solicitations that she should be per- 
mitted to arrange it, but regret could not avail her now, 
and trying to be patient she made all possible haste. 

She was ready at last, and with her heart beating 
high with pleasant anticipation, she descended to the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


259 


back porch. The moon shone brightly enough, and she 
could see the stable very plainly, but nothing else ; there 
was no sign of Gerald or the wagon. Wondering much, 
and with a vague presentiment of disappointment, she 
descended the steps and approached the stable. One of 
the hostlers met her : 

Looking for Mr. Thurston, miss ? He drove off not 
ten minutes ago.’^ 

Drove off! Then, perhaps tired of waiting he had 
gone after all to the front of the house, and to the front 
of the house she hurried. Sure enough, a chaise was 
there, and a tall form pacing back and forth, but the 
form was that of Robinson. 

Methusala ! the factory owner^s customary exclam- 
ation when aroused by any unusual emotion. What’s 
the matter, and where’s Mrs. Phillips ? I was jist going 
to send up for her, and why ain’t you to the back of the 
house ? Gerald’s waiting there.’^ 

I have been there, and one of the hostlers told me 
that Mr. Thurston had already driven off. Mrs. 
Phillips came down a quarter of an hour ago; she said 
she would apologize to Mr. Thurston for my detention.” 

Mildred was very pale as she spoke, but that might 
be owing to the moonlight falling full upon her face, 
and her voice trembled a little. 

Whew ! ” ejaculated Robinson, prolonging the inter- 
jection until it sounded like a whistle. The little 
widow must have gone off with him. Pooty nice treat- 


260 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


ment for me, and pooty nice treatment for you. But 
we^ll fix ’em; jist you git into the wagon with me, and 
we’ll ketch up to them.” 

If you please I would rather be excused. Indeed, 
as I feel now, I am unable to take the ride. But do not 
let me longer detain you, Mr. Robinson; I shall return 
to my room.” 

She turned to do so but his voice stopped her: . 

Miss Burchill!” 

She was struck by the peculiar tone with which he 
pronounced her name. It was so beseeching and 
agitated, and when she looked at him there was a fiery 
crimson spot on each yellow wrinkled cheek. 

I ain’t sorry that we’re left, for it gives me a 
chance to say something to you, and I don’t care about 
the drive, anyway, so long as you won’t take it.” 

A color was beginning to come also into her face, — 
a color which betokened agitation and perhaps fear. 

Oh, don’t be skeered. I wouldn’t say anything to 
hurt you for the hull world ; but I want you to listen to 
a few facts in my life. I’d have told them to you long 
ago if you’d given me a chance.” 

They were on a part of the piazza on which his study 
opened. Through the open window shone the wax 
lights, and Robinson continued, as he saw her eyes 
wander for an instant to the interior of the apart- 
ment : 

Come in, Miss Burchill ; I can tell it to you better 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


261 


inside.” He pushed the casement farther back as he 
spoke, and, as if he did not dream that she would 
hesitate, waited for her to enter. 

He seemed so much in earnest that she could not bear 
to refuse him, and, conquering her repugnance to his 
presence, which for the moment arose stronger than 
ever, she obeyed him. He drew forward a chair for her 
and seated himself opposite. The fiery spots on his 
cheeks continued to glow, and his voice became more 
tremulous : 

YouVe heered, I suppose, that I was married once. 
She was a pooty young girl, not much older than you be, 
an’ we was pooty close related. She was a good deal 
like you; had a way of holding her head jist as you do, 
and that kinder made me take to you from the first; 
but you didn’t give me any chance of showin’ my likin’. 
I’d have been kind to you. Miss Burchill ; I wanted to 
be kind to you, and that time your grandfather was 
taken and died in the jail it wa’n’t my fault. Gerald 
told you, didn’t he, that I didn’t know nothin’ about the 
right facts in the case ? ” 

Mildred slightly bowed. Strange emotions were well- 
nigh overpowering her. A breeze, as if the wind had 
suddenly risen, swept in through the window and 
extinguished some of the lights near Robinson. He 
rose instantly. 

Come over here. Miss Burchill,” repairing to a part 
of the room where all the lights were in full glow, and 


262 


REAPINa THE WHIRLWIND. 


seeming to be in strange trepidation as he took his seat. 
Miss Burchill mechanically followed him, but as he 
glanced back at the extinguished candles he rose again, 
and, striding to the bell, pulled it violently. I can’t 
go on until they are all relit,” he exclaimed, and watched 
the door until the servant appeared. 

The candles relit, he resumed : 

I’ve always kinder thought. Miss Burchill, that 
you had a sort of feelin’ agin’ me, and so while you’ve 
been in the house I’ve tried to have things agreeable. 
Do you find them pooty well so ? ” 

Miss Burchill again bowed ; it seemed to her, in her 
own trepidation, as if her very voice had gone. 

Well, I wouldn’t disturb you on no account, so 
that you’d git to feel home-like, and to know me better. 
I^ow, Miss Burchill, I want you to marry me. You 
shall have everything you want — ” But he could not 
go on, for Mildred had sprung to her feet and was say- 
ing, with an energy and determination seemingly im- 
possible to one of her gentle character: 

“ Stop, Mr. Bobinson ! I cannot listen to such a 
proposal. If you persist in it I must leave your house 
instantly.” 

Well, I won’t, since you dislike it so much, but 
I’ve something else to say. Jist sit down a minute, and 
don’t look so fierce like. I won’t tetch on that subject 
again.” 

She forced herself to resume her seat, and Bobinson, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


263 


with a look that wandered all over the room, and was 
accompanied by a shudder, said abruptly : 

Do you know who my niece, Cora Horton, is ? ’’ 

He waited for a reply, seeming to gloat in the agita- 
tion into which his question had thrown Miss Burchill. 
^^Ho. Who is she?’’ 

Ever heerd of Chester Horton, and where he is ? ” 
It seemed to Mildred as if she must fall from her 
chair, so faint, so ill did she become for a moment, but 
she recovered herself sufficiently to gasp: 

My mother told me.” 

The factory owner smiled a smile which showed his 
discolored teeth, they looked odd enough, contrasted 
with the strange expression of his face. 

Well, Miss Burchill,” he said, Cora is your blood 
relation, as well as mine. She don’t know nothin’ 
about Chester yet, and I don’t calc’late to let her know 
unless it becomes necessary. I kinder guessed you might 
have known something, but not enough to have under- 
stood the hull truth. There ain’t no reason for me to 
like Chester, nor anything that’s his’n, and I don’t like 
him ; I hate him ; but Cora’s my sister’s child, the only 
sister I ever had, an’ the only one that wa’n’t rough to 
me when I was a boy and lived to hum. I wouldn’t 
notice her arter she married, because that scamp put 
on such airs, and seemed to think I wa’n’t much more 
than the dirt under his feet. But he sent to me quick 
enough in his trouble, wantin’ me to do for his wife 


264 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and child. I gave him a pootj stinging letter back, and 
I wonldnH have had anything to do with any of ^em, 
but Mattie — that’s my sister — was dyin’, and she sent 
for me. Somehow, I couldn’t git over her message; it 
fired me up so on old times, and I went. 

She was dyin’ fast ; hadn’t much more’n strength to 
ask me to take Cora, and I took her. There was a 
bundle of old letters that came along with Cora, an’ it 
wa’n’t till I read them, jist a couple of months ago, that 
I found out the Hortons had anything to do with you. 
How, I think. Miss Burchill, we understand each other 
pooty good, and I don’t believe you’ll mind stayin’ with 
Cora. Each on you has a good home, and I don’t calc’- 
late on disturbin’ you any more about the marriage 
question. An’ I don’t calc’late on tollin’ anybody what’s 
passed between us to-night.” 

He rose as he spoke, as if he considered the interview 
ended, and Mildred also arose. But how suddenly he 
had changed! The crimson spots no longer glowed on 
his cheeks, instead they were lividly pale, and his eyes 
had an expression as if they saw something visible alone 
to them. They were fixed on a part of the room back 
of Mildred, and in another instant he presented such a 
picture of terror that she turned affrightedly to discover 
the cause. There was nothing, scarce a shadow, the 
lights being so numerous and bright, but still the factory 
owner continued to gaze, while his knees shook and the 
perspiration broke out in great clammy drops upon his 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


265 


face. His lips moved, but no sound came from tbem, 
and at length, as if wbat bad excited bis terror bad 
passed away, be sank into a cbair, drawing a long 
breatb of relief and slowly resuming bis wonted appear- 
ance. 

Mildred was well-nigb as frightened as be was, but 
sbe conquered ber alarm sufficiently to ask if be were ill. 
He looked up at ber and smiled, — tbe same smile wbicb 
sat so oddly upon bim before : 

Was you skeered ? I get these spells pooty often, 
but they don’t amount to nothin’; reckon my nerves 
need fixin’ up. Going to your room. Miss Burcbill ? 
Well, good-night ! I’ll take a turn out on tbe grounds.” 

He seemed anxious to get away from the apartment, 
and without even waiting to have Mildred fairly gone, 
he dashed out on the piazza and down tbe steps into 
tbe moon-illumined path. 

Miss Burcbill ascended to ber room tbe prey of 
emotions tbe strangest and almost the unbappiest she 
bad ever known. At one moment came bitter thoughts 
of Mrs. Phillips. How could she go with Thurston 
when sbe knew it was not for ber be waited ? But, 
then, Thurston must have been a party to tbe change, 
otherwise how could he have taken Mrs. Phillips to be 
bis partner in the drive ? 

Tbe next instant Bobinson’s proposal sickened and, 
in some measure, daunted ber. How could she remain 
in bis house after that? But Cora and tbe new and 


266 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


strong reasons for regarding the little girl came before 
her, and subdued the impulse to leave The Castle.’^ 
After that arose a frightened remembrance of Robin- 
son’s strange aspect of terror. It brought to her mind 
Cora’s remarkable conduct when she returned from 
her evening visits to her uncle. Was it that the girl saw 
on each occasion Robinson’s spell ” as he had called 
it? Unable to satisfy herself on any of the puzzling 
questions, she fell asleep at last, her pillow wet with 
the tears wrung from her by her strange, and perchance 
soon to be unhappy position. 


CHAPTEK XXXL 


Compelled at first to give his whole attention to the 
horse, Gerald was unable to turn to his companion, 
until he had driven a considerable distance out on the 
road. The other wagons were so much in advance of 
them that not one was in sight. 

Are you comfortably seated. Miss Burchill ? ’’ he 
said at last, slackening the horse’s pace somewhat, and 
turning to the form beside him. 

Very comfortably seated, dear Gerald,” at the same 
time throwing back the hood from her face and putting 
her hand upon his arm. 

He sprang from her as if she had shot him, well-nigh 
dropping the reins as he did so. 

How came you here, and where is Miss Burchill ? ” 
he asked, as soon as his astonishment and rage allowed 
him his voice. 

Oh, Gerald, listen to me ! Miss Burchill told me to 
go to the hack piazza to you. She has gone with Mr. 
Bobinson. You will find her at the hotel when we 
arrive.” 

He would have ended the drive there and then, hut 
he dared not stop until he could stable his horse, neither 
could he turn the animal about in the somewhat narrow 

267 


268 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


road they were pursuing, for that attempt might but 
bring on the very skittishness of the uncertain beast. 

So he was obliged to proceed. He would not believe 
what Mrs. Phillips said, — somehow he doubted every- 
thing which fell from her lips, — but still in her words 
there was a sharper sting than he thought a woman ever 
again could give him. And what if it were really so, 
that Mildred had sent the widow in her place, and gone 
herself with Robinson? Under the maddening sense 
produced by the thought, he whipped up his horse as if 
there were a devil in him which would rouse the devil 
in the animal, and they dashed on at a speed that made 
Helen shriek and endeavor to cling to his arm. He 
flung her off. 

Oh, Gerald,” she cried, will nothing touch you ? 
Must I carry your unforgiveness to my grave ? ” 

You sent my father to his grave, madam,” was the 
stern reply. 

But I have repented ; and oh, Gerald, I cannot live 
with the weight of your anger upon me. I ask nothing 
but your forgiveness, your friendliness. Forgive me! 
forgive me 1 ” 

Ask heaven for forgiveness, madam.” 

Gerald spurred his horse anew, taking a shorter road 
than he knew the others were pursuing, and turning an 
utterly deaf ear to her passionate entreaties. She 
sobbed aloud, but he was as little impressed; when 
they arrived at the country hotel in which supper had 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


269 


been ordered for the party his horse was flecked with 
foam, and her beautiful eyes were red and swollen from 
weeping. The company had not yet come, and Helen at 
once retired to bathe her stear-stained face, while Gerald 
impatiently waited the arrival of Mildred to hear from 
her own lips an explanation of her strange conduct. 

The party came at last, but neither Mildred nor Kob- 
inson was with it. Great was the surprise of all when 
they found the two missing, it being confidently thought 
that by taking a shorter road, as Gerald had done, they 
might have arrived in advance. As it was, they might 
come yet, and the supper was delayed, and an anxious 
watch maintained; but, when an hour elapsed, Gerald 
would wait no longer. He could not content himself 
in the gay company while his heart was so torn by sus- 
picion and outrage, and, on the pretext of fearing some 
accident had happened, he ordered his horse, which still 
bore marks of its recent hard ride, and dashed home- 
ward. 

The house was in the same state of illumination as 
when he left it, the lights in the study streaming through 
the open windows out upon the piazza, and a tall figure 
seemed to be pacing the path. Waiting only to stable 
his panting horse, Gerald hurried back to the pacing 
figure. It was Robinson. 

Methusala ! Gerald, what^s brought you back ? ’’ 

To see what happened to you. And where is Miss 
Burchill ? ” 


270 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


In her room, asleep bj this time, I reckon. When 
she found you had gone off with Mrs. Phillips, she took 
the matter quite sensible like; jist as well pleased, I 
reckon, because she said she didn’t care about taking the 
drive, and I didn’t care much either. So we went into 
the study and had a chat. Keckon we were nigh as 
comfortable as you folks, eh ? ” 

Gerald flushed and paled. Here was almost a 
direct confirmation of Mrs. Phillips’ statement. Mil- 
dred did not care for the drive, — the factory owner had 
been careful not to insert the saving clause with my- 
self,” — consequently, regardless of every honorable pro- 
priety, she had simply availed herself of the most con- 
venient means of fulfilling her engagement. Then, 
also, the words and tone of Pobinson indicated a sort 
of familiarity with him, on the part of Miss Burchill, 
which sickened Gerald. Was he again deceived in a 
character that he thought so good, and for which he had 
already conceived a warm admiration ? 

Unwilling to hazard by another question information 
which might give him further pain, he turned away, 
resolving to defer his judgment on Miss Burchill’s con- 
duct until she should give or send him an explanation 
of it. 

Bohinson called to him: 

Where’s the rest of ’em, and what did you do with 
the little widow ? ” 

Gerald answered somewhat hotly: 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


271 


As she forced herself upon me, I escaped from her 
company as quickly as possible by leaving her with the 
rest of the party at the hotel.’’ 

And, lest he should be questioned farther, he hurried 
away. 

Some time in the small hours of the morning the com- 
pany returned. Robinson awaited them, and gay voices 
and loud laughter made the parlors resound for another 
hour; but Mrs. Phillips broke from the party almost 
immediately, and hurried to Miss Burchill’s chamber. 
The latter was a light sleeper ; she heard the first gentle 
tap at her door, and half expecting it to be Cora, she 
waited only to light the gas and throw on a morning 
dress before she opened it. 

Let me in,” said Mrs. Phillips, quickly ; and when 
Mildred stepped aside she followed her, and seizing her 
hands drew her to a large easy-chair before the bed. 

Sit there, Milly, and let me explain to you how it 
all happened. Oh, I am so unhappy ! ” and to Miss 
Burchill’s astonishment a wild hurst of tears succeeded 
the last speech. Mr. Thurston mistook me for you, — 
you know in this cape I resemble you, — and he snatched 
me into the wagon before I could say a word. When he 
found out the mistake, he seemed to think that Mr. 
Robinson would drive you, and anyway, that we should 
meet you at the hotel. But he will explain it all to you 
in the morning, I am sure, unless perhaps you have 
already seen him,” looking up through her tears. 


272 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


I have not,” said Mildred, quietly, though her heart 
was beating wildly with various emotions, among which 
distrust and a half disgust of the widow predominated. 

The latter regained confidence, but at the same time 
she seemed to read Miss BurchilFs mind. With her 
tears still fiowing, and her white taper hands resting, 
clasped, in the lap of Mildred, she resumed : 

You think I am gay and pretty, and all that ; but 
you donT see the heart I carry. You donT know how 
suffering has seared it. Oh, Milly, if you knew my 
secret history you would pity me. Some day you will 
let me confide in you? I should have asked to do so 
long ago, but I hesitated to sadden you with wrongs 
such as I have known.” 

Mildred did not answer ; she was thinl^ing of the last 
words — wrongs such as I have known.” Could it be 
that Gerald had inflicted any wrong upon Helen in 
severing their engagement ? 

You do not speak,” said Mrs. Phillips. You, 
too, refuse me my one last consolation, — a true friend.” 

She was perfect in the art of simulating grief ; tones, 
gestures, expressions were all in accord, and Miss 
Burchill was touched in spite of herself. 

You may confide in me when you wish to do so, 
Mrs. Phillips,” she said; but I think now you had 
better retire; this excitement is too much for you.” 

Have you forgiven me, then, for taking your place 
to-night? It was unintentional. I could not help it, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


273 


and I also expected to meet you at the hotel, when the 
mistake could be rectified, and you could return with 
Mr. Thurston. I could not sleep until I had explained 
it to you, and now, if you are angry or distressed about 
it, my heart will break.’’ 

Oh, no ; Mr. Thurston, as you say, will doubtless 
explain to-morrow.” 

Well then, kiss me good-night, dearest, or rather 
good-morning, for I declare, is not that four striking? 
and there is Cora, I think,” as a rustle of garments 
sounded in the next apartment. She ran off, leaving 
Mildred so sleepless and anxious that she peeped at last 
into her pupil’s room. The girl was slowly disrobing, 
but catching sight of the pale face in the doorway, she 
sprang towards it : 

Oh, Miss Burchill, I wanted to see you so much, to 
know just why you didn’t come; but as uncle said you 
had retired, I didn’t like to disturb you.” 

I didn’t go because there was some mistake which 
resulted in Mrs. Phillips going with Mr. Thurston ; but 
perhaps it is as well.” 

Cora looked earnestly into the frank eyes turned upon 
her own, and at length, as if she doubted how her com- 
munication would be received, but felt that it must be 
made, she said: 

Mightn’t Mrs. Phillips have done all that on pur- 
pose, so that you couldn’t go with Mr. Thurston ? ” 

Why should she do so ? ” was the wondering reply. 

18 




REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Well, I don’t know, but I don’t like Mrs. Phillips; 
and I heard some one say in the parlor the other night 
that if Mrs. Phillips wasn’t Mr. Thurston’s stepmother 
they’d say she was in love with him she watched him so ; 
and then some one else said that they guessed you had 
the best chance, for Mr. Thurston was always paying 
you some attention. And I wish it were so, for I like 
him.” 

Hush ! ” and Miss Burchill’s face was scarlet. But 
Cora gave her a hearty kiss and darted away to bed. 

All the next day Mildred waited for some explanation 
from Gerald, but none came; a certain sense of pro- 
priety kept her from sending one to him, and at 
length, though somewhat unhappy at his inexplicable 
silence, she consoled herself by thinking that in the 
evening when she met him in the parlor all would be 
explained. In the evening, however, he was not among 
the company, and Mrs. Phillips informed her that Ger- 
ald had gone to Hew York with Mr. Bodney. But 
neither Mrs. Phillips nor Mr. Bobinson, from whom she 
received her information knew that Gerald had gone to 
Hew York to avoid the company at the house. He was 
again out of tune with everything of the kind, and be- 
lieving Mildred, since he had received no explanation 
from her, to be wanting in the qualities which he most 
admired in woman, he was anxious not to meet her. 
Bodney being obliged to return to the city, Gerald deter- 
mined to accompany him, ostensibly on business; but 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


275 


the business could have been transacted as well without 
his personal supervision. On the train Kodney said, 
having watched for some minutes in silence his com- 
panion's gloomy visage and abstracted manner: 

Come, Gerald, don’t let last night’s disappointment 
work upon you so much. I’ve studied Miss Burchill 
during my stay at The Castle, and what conclusion do 
you think I have come to ? ” 

A look of inquiry was his only answer. 

Eodney slapped Thurston’s knee as he resumed: 

That she’s just guileless enough herself to become 
the victim of that little devil of a widow. I shouldn’t 
be a bit surprised to find that the jade’s told some whop- 
ping lie to Miss Burchill about this affair.” 

But Miss Burchill should have sent me some expla- 
nation,” answered Gerald. 

There you go at your old rate, my boy, jumping at 
angry conclusions, and forgetting that, if you were 
bitten once, all women are not snakes.” 

But Gerald had leaned back with his hat over his eyes 
and his teeth set hard together. 


CHAPTEE XXXIL 


When" Gerald had returned to The Castle the guests 
had all gone, and the mansion had resumed its wonted 
quiet aspect. Miss Burchill again voluntarily confined 
herself to her own part of the house, and Mrs. Phillips 
paid her daily visit as persistently as ever. That visit 
had grown to be an intolerable infliction to Mildred, and 
again and again she had to fortify herself for its endur- 
ance by recalling her promise to her mother. 

But the widow assumed that she was quite welcome, 
and she deared Mildred and Cora, and hung about 
them, and was constantly seeking to insinuate herself 
into their regard by little flattering speeches, or to win 
sympathy by doleful accounts of her unpleasant life 
at home owing to Miss Balk, until both teacher and 
pupil felt like begging her to desist. The pupil, indeed, 
showed her anger and disgust on more than one occasion, 
and nothing but her desire to please Mildred, to whom 
she was devotedly attached, prevented her from showing 
continually the aversion she felt. Cora was now four- 
teen, tall for her years, and scarcely as girlish in appear- 
ance as her age would warrant her to be. 

Miss Burchill was seriously debating the propriety 

276 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


m 


of asking Mr. Robinson to send bis niece to some educa- 
tional institution. Should the factory owner assent to 
the proposition, she could pursue with better heart a 
plan that she had formed for herself. It was that of 
seeking a position in Boston. She had some hope of 
success, owing to the acquaintances she had made 
among Mr. Robinson’s recent guests, and she was the 
more anxious to make the trial as The Castle had lost its 
charm for her. She had neither seen Gerald nor heard 
from him since the night of the ride, and suffering 
keenly from a silence which at times her imagination 
distorted into the acme of unkindness, she was often tor- 
mented by fear that she herself might be to blame ; and 
yet, as the days wore on it became more and more like 
a gross impropriety for her either to make or demand 
any explanation of the unfortunate occurrence. So 
she bore her pain in silence, but joined to Mrs. Phillips’ 
torturing attentions it was fast becoming intolerable; 
indeed, nothing but her affection for Cora kept her from 
taking an immediate departure. She fancied that away 
among different scenes she might teach herself to forget 
the causes of her pain and annoyance. There was also 
another reason for changing her residence. Mr. Robiii’ 
son was beginning to show her unwished-for axiention, 
frequently sending her choice bouquets and the rarest of 
his hothouse fruits, accompanied by his compliments; 
all of which Mrs. Phillips managed to see, and at which 
she laughed and shook her head significantly. Then, 


278 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


also, he had more than once, on the occasion of an acci- 
dental meeting with the governess, expressed a wish for 
her, in company with her pupil, to join him and Gerald 
at table. But Mildred respectfully declined, and con- 
tinued to take her meals as usual with Cora. At length 
the factory owner insisted that his niece should dine 
with him, possibly with the hope that Miss Burchill, 
deprived of her companion, would be compelled, as it 
were, to accede to his wish. But she preferred dining 
alone, even though Cora protested against it both by 
tears and entreaties. The widow of course at once knew 
of the arrangement, and she so manoeuvred that she also 
was asked to dinner by Robinson. Thurston started 
when he entered the dining-room and saw her, but, recov- 
ering himself he bowed distantly, and requested the ser- 
vant to change his place at the table to one quite re- 
moved from Mrs. Phillips. She bit her lip and 
blushed violently, while Robinson regarded the proceed- 
ing with ludicrous astonishment. He made no re- 
mark, however, and Helen, as if she were not in the least 
disturbed, addressed herself to the factory owner, assum- 
ing the while so gentle and modest an air that she might 
be thought to be some unsophisticated girl scarcely re- 
leased from the espionage of her governess. As the 
meal went on, — Gerald silent and seeming to pay not 
the least attention to anything but his plate, — her vivac- 
ity somewhat increased. She managed to introduce 
Miss BurchilFs name. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


279 


When I learned/’ she said, that Miss Burchill 
would dine alone, I at once offered to bear her company, 
but she refused, owing I suppose, to her generous consid- 
eration for me. She disliked to subject me to the lone- 
liness which she so courts. And when I urged her to 
accede to your request, Mr. Kobinson,” smiling sweetly, 

she said the meal would be much more enjoyable to her 
without society,” glancing significantly at Gerald, but 
he was looking at his plate. 

There was an exclamation from Cora, who sat directly 
opposite, — an exclamation that sounded like angry as- 
tonishment at Mrs. Phillips’ statement, and that brought 
upon the girl the wondering looks of her uncle and 
Thurston. 

Helen was inwardly frightened, and she was also in- 
wardly chafing that she had been so imprudent as to for- 
get the girl’s presence when she spoke. Anxious to 
avert a catastrophe, she leaned gracefully across the 
table, and said, with her most insinuating tone : 

Dearest Cora, you frightened me when you ex- 
claimed so suddenly.” 

Her tone and manner brought about that which she 
feared. Cora exasperated by a show of affection that 
she felt was only assumed, and indignant at the covert 
disparagement of Miss Burchill that the speech seemed 
to imply, and not having the governess near to warn or 
reprove her by a look, burst out with angry impetuosity : 

How could you tell such a story Mrs. Phillips ? 


280 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


You know you never offered to dine with. Miss Bur- 
chill, and when I wanted you to help me to coax her to 
dine down here, you said you guessed she was better off 
upstairs ; that she might feel out of place with uncle 
and Mr. Thurston.” 

My dear Cora, you forget that Miss Burchill and I, 
being such intimate friends as we are,” — there was a 
peculiar emphasis on the last words, used especially for 
Gerald, — have many conversations which you do not 
hear. The one that I have repeated has probably been 
such,” and Helen turned to her plate with easy noncha- 
lance. 

I don’t believe it,” answered Cora hotly, now so 
angry that she was quite regardless of everything hut 
her own excited feelings. I shall ask Miss Burchill 
the moment I get upstairs.” 

But Eohinson was now aroused to a sense of propri- 
ety, and also to some regard for the feelings of his guest. 
He commanded Cora to be silent; and the meal was 
finished without any further reference to Miss Burchill. 
On Gerald’s face a grim smile hovered, and more than 
once his eyes wandered in mirthful appreciation to 
Cora. 

Cora hurried from the dining-room in order to see 
Miss Burchill, and Mrs. Phillips also hurried out on 
the same errand. They arrived almost together, and be- 
fore Mildred could recover from her astonishment at 
their sudden, and on the part of her pupil, excited en- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


281 

trance, the girl had told the whole story, Mrs. Phillips 
standing by with the air of a martyr. 

Before the governess could form an answer, the widow 
was saying, reproachfully: 

You might have spared me, Cora, for, in the excite- 
ment of my conversation with your uncle, I did not quite 
think of what I was saying; and I knew that if I had 
not already spoken to Mildred in the manner that I 
described, I should do so very speedily.” 

But you had not done so, Mrs. Phillips,” interposed 
Mildred, feeling as if her annoyance and disgust of the 
speaker had reached a culminating point, and there is 
no excuse for an untruth at any time.” 

You surely are not angry, dear Milly ? I meant no 
harm, and it was all owing to an unfortunate habit of 
exaggeration which I possess.” 

It would he well then, Mrs. Phillips, to cure your- 
self of a habit which may be the occasion of injury to 
others.” 

But the moment that the words had left Miss Bur- 
chilFs lips she felt keen regret. She had spoken so 
hastily, out of the very heat of her annoyance, and she 
felt as if she had broken her promise to her dying 
mother, — that promise which had enjoined upon her so 
strictly to be kind and gentle to any one whom she dis- 
liked or who had done her an injury. 

Mrs. Phillips was crying, but then as Cora remarked, 
her tears came so frequently they lost their effect. 


282 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


I am sorry if I have hurt you,” Mildred forced 
herself to say as gently as she could, and I shall be 
frank enough to tell you that your untruth caused me a 
good deal of pain.” She was thinking of Gerald, and 
wondering whether Mrs. Phillips^ avowed habit of 
slight untruthfulness had anything to do with her dis- 
appointment on the night of the ride. 

You are an angel. Miss Burchill. Oh, if I had only 
a mother to train me as you have been trained; but I 
had no one, no one, only harsh Barbara Balk.” And 
the widow threw herself on her knees by a chair in a 
perfect abandon of grief. 

That allusion to a mother brought out all Miss Bur- 
chilhs sympathy. She forgot everything but the affect- 
ing picture before her, and she bent above Helen, as 
tender and forgiving as the little widow could wish her 
to be. 

That interview, however, decided Miss Burchill on 
hastening to execute the plan she had proposed to her- 
self. She could not continue to associate with a person 
of such character as she now felt Mrs. Phillips to be, 
nor could she longer insist upon her pupiFs entertain- 
ing much regard for the lady. So an hour later, when 
Mrs. Phillips had taken her departure, and Cora was 
about to descend to her uncle. Miss Burchill requested 
her to ask Mr. Eobinson to grant her an interview that 
evening. The request was such an unusual one that the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


283 


girl stared, and she asked at last as if impelled by 
some unpleasant presentiment: 

Is it something in reference to me ? ’’ 

I would rather not tell you until I have spoken to 
Mr. Eobinson.’’ 

Forced to be satisfied, but by no means assured, Cora 
descended slowly, encountering Gerald as she was about 
to enter her uncle^s study. 

All over your indignation ? ” he said playfully. 

Glad of an opportunity to give entire vent to feelings 
that she had been compelled to restrain somewhat in 
Miss Burchilks presence, she answered: 

^N'o, I am not; and ifs just enough to vex any one, 
the way Mrs. Phillips gets round Miss Burchill. She 
has been up there a whole hour begging Miss Burchill’s 
pardon for the story she told at dinnertime, and saying 
it was all owing to her habit of exaggeration. Ugh ! ” 
And an expression of disgust and a shrug of the shoul- 
ders evinced to Gerald that feelings more intense were at 
work than were shown even in her words. 

^^Oh, it ivas a story, then ? ’’ he said, still using his 
playful tone, though there was a grave earnestness in 
his eyes. 

Of course it was,’’ she answered, with angry aston- 
ishment. Do you think I would have spoken as I did 
at dinner if I did not know that she was telling a story ? 
She just exasperates me with the way she fawns around 
us, and though I know Miss Burchill dislikes her as 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


m 

mucli as I do, she tries to be gentle and agreeable, and 
tries to make me so too, because she says it is our duty to 
be kind to everybody, no matter how hard it is for us to 
like them.’’ 

There was no stopping Cora now. She had found a 
listener who neither checked nor reproved her; indeed, 
one who seemed to listen eagerly ; and the girl as eagerly 
detailed every annoyance Miss Burchill and herself had 
suffered from the widow, and her account included even 
Mrs. Phillips’ conduct on the night of the ride, saying : 

I just think she tried to make Miss Burchill late, so 
that she could go with you herself, the way she wanted 
this done and that done, and Miss Burchill stopped all 
her own preparations to wait upon her; and then of 
course, when she came down and found you had gone 
with Mrs. Phillips, she couldn’t and she wouldn’t go 
with uncle. Ugh! how I hate Mrs. Phillips. I wish 
she’d never come near the house.” 

But Gerald scarcely heard the last exclamation. A. 
flood of light had been let in suddenly on thoughts 
which had annoyed and perplexed him for weeks. 

Is Miss Burchill in her room now ? ” he asked. 

Yes ; she wants me to ask uncle to give her an inter- 
view with him this evening, and I have a feeling that 
it’s about me. I mean that she wants to give up teach- 
ing me, and perhaps go away somewhere. I know she 
is dreadfully unhappy, but she wouldn’t tell me any- 
thing about it because I’d be unhappy too.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


285 


The great clock in the hall above was striking the 
hour. Cora started, and with a hastily spoken, Oh, 
how angry uncle will be for keeping him so long ! 
darted away. Gerald turned away, also, but it was to 
send a servant to Miss Burchill with the request that she 
would meet him in the parlor as soon as convenient. 

Miss Burchill blushed when she received the mes- 
sage until her cheeks rivaled the roses of the hothouse 
bouquet which Robinson had sent to her that evening; 
but by the time she arrived at the parlor door the blush 
had gone, and she was pale and trembling. Thurston, 
awaiting her, met her almost on the threshold, and he 
was struck at the thin and worn appearance of her face. 
Mental suffering was visible in every line. 

I have sought this interview. Miss Burchill,” he 
said leading her to a seat, in order that something 
which I think has been a mutual misunderstanding may 
be explained. I mean the unfortunate occurrence of the 
evening of the ride. I waited to hear from you about it, 
and I was not a little surprised and disappointed at your 
silence. ITow, however, I am convinced that you 
had equal reason to expect to hear from me and to be 
surprised, and perhaps indignant, at my silence. I 
regret it all exceedingly, I assure you, and I heg you to 
forgive me. Will you do so ? ” 

He extended his hand, and looking, as he did to 
Mildred, positively noble, with a smile mantling his 
bright, manly face, her heart went out to him. She put 


286 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


her hand into his, while a great glad thrill went through 
her whole being. 

IS'ow tell me/’ he said, how I came to have ” — 
there was a slight hesitation, owing to his determination 
never to pronounce, if he could help it, his stepmother’s 
name — another, instead of you accompany me that 
evening ? ” 

I do not know,” she answered, further than what 
Mrs. Phillips told me : that, mistaking her for me, you 
caught her so quickly into the wagon there was no chance 
for her to rectify immediately the error. When you 
discovered it you seemed to think that I would accom- 
pany Mr. Robinson, and that you would meet us at the 
place to which we were all going.” 

Thurston’s face looked for a moment as if it were 
frozen into the hard, almost cruel, expression in which 
it became set as she spoke, and he dropped her hand, 
that he had continued to hold, as if his own hand had 
become powerless. 

How did she come to be on the back porch instead of 
you, when her place was with the company in the front 
of the house ? ” he asked. 

She went to apologize to you for my delay.” 

Did you send her to do that, or did she ask to be 
permitted to perform that kind office for you ? ” with 
a touch of sarcasm in his tones as he said the last 
words. 

She asked,” was the reply. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


287 


Well, Miss Burchill, her statement so far as taking 
her into the wagon under the impression that it was you, 
was correct ; the rest of it I regret to say, was untrue. 
I did not discover the mistake until we were some 
distance from the house. It was impossible for me to 
turn back on account of the viciousness of the horse, and 
I was led to believe that you had gone with Mr. Kobin- 
son. I was impatient to meet you to hear the explana- 
tion which I deemed to be my right, and when I was 
disappointed I looked confidently to hearing from you 
the next day. Kow I know that, with my usual impet- 
uosity, I judged you wrongly. Miss Burchill. Again 
forgive me, and assure me that we are friends, perfect 
friends, and that you will let me help you whenever I 
can. Will you do so ? ” 

She bowed an assent. Her heart was too full to 
allow her to speak. It was such a change from the 
doubt and misunderstanding and unhappiness of the 
past weeks to the certainty and bliss of this moment. 

You must let me help you,” he repeated ; “ and, in 
order to do that, you must tell me why you are not so 
happy in The Castle as you used to be. Tell me 
frankly what your grievances are.” 

There was that in his manner of respectful yet tender 
protection which often goes to a woman’s heart more 
potently than a handsome face or endearing language. 

I have no grievances,” she answered, and the 
annoyances which I have felt are too slight to mention. 


288 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


But I have thought of seeking a position in Boston. 
Mj pupil has now reached an age which demands a 
more enlarged course of instruction than I, perhaps, 
am competent to give, and I thought of placing the 
matter before Mr. Kohinson, and urging him to send 
her to some woman’s college. 

Have you any reasonable hope of obtaining a 
position in Boston ? ” 

Hone, beyond an application to some of the people 
who were here last summer. I have many of their cards, 
and I have been invited cordially to visit them whenever 
I should go to Boston.” 

I cannot say that I quite approve of your plan. 
Miss Burchill. Calling upon people to ask their aid in 
securing a position is a different thing from visiting 
them socially, and I am afraid your sensitiveness would 
suffer severely. I would suggest that you remain 
another year with your present charge. You are compe- 
tent, I think, to teach even the mature age of fifteen, 
and during that time I shall exert myself to obtain for 
you a suitable position. Do you consent ? ” 

Even if she had felt utterly disinclined to agree to 
the proposal, the earnest persuasiveness of his voice 
and manner must have overcome her disinclination. 
As it was, she murmured a brief reply, but it quite 
gratified him, for he smiled and said: 

I feel as if you were conferring some obligation on 
me by consenting to stay, and now with your permission. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


289 


I shall tell Mr. Robinson that the necessity for which 
you sought an interview with him has been obviated.” 

He led her to the door, and with a kind good-night, 
held it open for her, while she passed out, feeling 
strangely contented and happy. 

19 


CHAPTEK XXXIII. 


Thukston took his way to Robinson^s study. Cora 
was still there reading aloud from the daily paper, 
and her uncle released her from the task on seeing 
Gerald. The latter announced that he had come for an 
interview. 

Methusala ! ’’ exclaimed the factory owner. 

What’s the matter ? Here’s Cora been telling me 
Miss Burchill wants to see me, and now you want an 
interview. Well, run out, Cora, and you, Gerald, take 
a seat.” 

Gerald did so, beginning immediately: 

Did you insist on Mrs. Phillips’ visits to Miss 
Burchill? I understand that she has your permission 
to come every day and read with her, but I have reason 
to believe that her visits are now and have been for some 
time quite an infliction.” 

Been talking to Miss Burchill, eh ? ” and Robinson’s 
face evinced the keenest interest. 

“ Yes ; I have just left her, but she did not tell me 
this about Mrs. Phillips. I discovered that fact, and 
I discovered also that these visits are one means of 
making Miss Burchill desire to leave The Castle,” 

290 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


291 


To leave The Castle/’ Robinson repeated, his voice 
slightly trembling, and a crimson spot beginning to show 
on each cheek. 

Yes ; it was in reference to that she wanted an 
interview with you, but she has promised to remain 
another year.” 

The factory owner seemed relieved. 

And you think this little widow’s visits ain’t 
agreeable to Miss Burchill ? ” he said. 

I hnow they are not,” was the decisive reply. 

But what can I do, Gerald ? It won’t do to tell 
Mrs. Phillips she can’t come to The Castle, — that’s 
agin my principles of hospitality ; and besides, the little 
widow’s too pooty and too nice to be kept out in that 
fashion.” 

You needn’t ask her to keep away from The Castle,” 
was the somewhat quick and sarcastically spoken reply. 

Only allow me to request her to keep away from Miss 
Burchill’s part of the house.” 

Reckon you hate her pooty strongly, Gerald ? ” and 
the factory owner laughed. Well, can’t blame you 
much, as she’s got your rights ; but she’s a pooty woman, 
and you be mighty hard to touch when you ain’t moved 
by them eyes of hePn. Do as you like, Gerald, for I 
don’t want Miss Burchill to go away on no account, and 
I don’t want Mrs. Phillips kept away altogether from 
The Castle, neither.” 

Don’t fear,” said Gerald with a grim smile. I 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


292 

shall not deprive you of Mrs. Phillips’ company.” And 
he turned to depart, but the factory owner called, — 
Don’t go, Gerald, till you git Cora hack.” 

It was singular, and, were it not for a certain some- 
thing which seemed to forbid the merriment, laughable, 
his fear of being left alone in his study during a 
certain time of the evening. It was a well-known fact, 
that he was afraid, and the very servants gossiped and 
wondered about it till, on more than one occasion, some 
of them began to have strange imaginations of their 
own, and to put into circulation mysterious stories 
about the numerous lights in his study and bedchamber 
that did little credit to the factory owner’s heart or 
head. Even Gerald looked as if he felt some contempt 
for Eobinson’s childish weakness, but he pulled the bell 
and waited until the servant who answered the summons 
reappeared with Cora. Then he repaired to his room 
and penned the following to Mrs. Phillips : 

Madam : — In your future visits to The Castle you 
are requested to refrain from going to the part of the 
house assigned to Miss Burchill and her pupil. 

Gerald Thurston.” 

The next morning a servant was dispatched with the 
note to Mrs. Phillips. When she received it, recogniz- 
ing the penmanship, she became violently agitated. 
'Not trusting herself to read it immediately, lest Miss 
Balk might appear, she put it into her pocket and took 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


293 


her way to her room. Barbara had heard the knocker 
and looking from a window, recognized in the bearer 
of the note one of Robinson’s servants, — the man had 
been sent occasionally from The Castle with messages 
during the summer. She descended immediately, meet- 
ing Helen at the foot of the stair. 

Has Mr. Robinson sent to inquire about my 
health ? ” she asked sarcastically, in order to let Helen 
know that she was aware from whom the messenger 
came, and at the same time she stood in such a way 
that it was quite impossible for any one to pass her in 
order to ascend. 

Ho; the message this time is from Mr. Thurston to 
me,” answered Helen stung into replying that which 
an instant before she did not dream of telling. 

But the only effect the announcement had on Barbara 
was to make her shrug her shoulders and laugh her 
horrid laugh, from which Mrs. Phillips retreated pre- 
cipitately into the open parlor, where she waited until 
her tormentor disappeared. 

The widow had at last an opportunity of reading 
Thurston’s note. From the fact that the bearer had not 
required an answer, she augured ill of its contents, and, 
with a presentiment that made her weak and trembling 
she tore it open. Her eyes became fixed as she read, 
and she continued to hold the note before her, even when 
she had read the contents three times. Then she threw 
herself into a chair, and burst into a passion of tears. 


294 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


That the note had grown out of her own unlucky re- 
marks at dinner the previous evening she felt assured, 
but her mind was further tormented by thoughts of the 
possible conversation which Gerald might — nay, which 
he must — have had with Miss Burchill, in order to pro- 
duce such a peremptory message. She was puzzled to 
decide what part, if any, Mr. Hobinson had taken in it, 
and at length, when her paroxsym had spent itself, and 
her thoughts grew maddening she started from her seat, 
and began a careful arrangement of her toilet. She 
would seek an immediate explanation from Mr. Kobin- 
son, even if that explanation should result in deeper 
chagrin than she already felt. 

Barbara was careful to be in sight when Mrs. Phil- 
lips, resplendent in one of her newest and latest cos- 
tumes came from her room. 

Ah ! ’’ she said, pursing up her lips and eyebrows, 
spreading your net again for Gerald Thurston ; and 
does he consent at last to fall into it ? Poor little angler 1 

O 

What a desperate tug you will have to pull him in ! ’’ 
But her last words might have remained unspoken, 
for Helen had rushed down the stair and out, slam- 
ming the door violently behind her. 

Robinson was descending to lunch when Mrs. Phillips 
was announced, and instead of continuing to the dining- 
room, he turned into the parlor, where she waited with 
her most bewitching smile, while at the same time she 
feigned to be extremely agitated. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


295 


What does this mean, Mr. Robinson ? ” drawing 
forth Thurston’s note, and placing it open in the factory 
owner’s hand. What have I done to Miss Burchill, 
that she should seek Mr. Thurston to champion her 
cause ? And was it in accordance with your wish that 
this was written ? ” 

She put her dainty hand in most confiding fashion 
on Robinson’s arm as she spoke. He thrilled at the 
touch, while at the same time he tremblingly put on his 
spectacles, and read the note, saying, when he had 
finished : 

“ You mustn’t blame me, Mrs. Phillips. I ain’t no 
party to this thing further’n being told by Gerald that 
he knew your visits wan’t agreeable to Miss Burchill; 
and then I jist let him take his own way of arranging 
matters, only that I told him he mustn’t interfere with 
your cornin’ to The Castle to see me.” 

Thank you, Mr. Robinson,” and the little neatly 
gloved hand, still resting upon his arm, slightly pressed 
it in token of ardent gratitude. 

Robinson resumed: 

You see, Mrs. Phillips, there’s no accounting for 
a woman’s whims when she gits ideas into her head, and 
I look on this thing as one of Miss Burchill’s whims. 
But I didn’t want to force her to anything agin her 
liking, because she might go away from The Castle, and 
that would throw Cora on my hands.” 

And is there not another reason, dear Mr. Robinson^ 


296 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


why you do not wish Miss Burchill to leave The 
Castle ? ’’ and both dainty hands were placed confidently 
on his arm, while, with a most significantly arch look 
and smile, Mrs. Phillips gazed into his eyes. 

He reddened slightly in spite of himself, and stirred 
uneasily in his chair. 

WTll you not trust me ? pursued the insinuating 
voice. And have not I myself, observed sufficient to 
discover your feelings with regard to Miss Burchill ? 
Believe me, Mr. Robinson, when I assure you that noth- 
ing would make me happier than, if it were in my 
power, to further your suit. As it is, I think Miss 
Burchill may have been a little jealous of your atten- 
tions to me and hence may have arisen her complaint to 
Mr. Thurston, which resulted in such a rude message 
from him.” 

Jealous, eh! ” repeated the factory owner, childish 
enough in his petty conceit to swallow the bait with 
which she so cunningly tempted him. 

I am sure, dear Mr. Robinson, of my assertion ; I 
make it from my own observations of Miss BurchilFs 
character.” 

It ain’t onlikely,” he answered, with such an evident 
belief in his own power of fascination that Helen with 
difficulty repressed a laugh. 

She rose to depart. 

How that I Icnoiv^ dear Mr. Robinson, you do not 
exclude me from The Castle,” with a most marked 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


297 


emphasis on the word you ” — I am quite satisfied. 
With regard to Miss Burchilhs and Mr. Thurston^s feel- 
ings towards me, I can only deplore that circumstances 
have made me the object of their animosity.” Her 
handkerchief was to her eyes. 

Oh, don’t now, Mrs. Phillips ; Miss Burchill and 
Gerald ’ll come around all right by and by, especially 
when Miss Burchill gits to be Mrs. Bobinson,” and the 
factory owner smiled, and winked his little greenish 
eyes very hard. But come in now to lunch,” he con- 
tinued ; won’t be no one there but me. Gerald’s so 
busy at the factory he can’t git here for more’n an hour 
yet,” and Helen gracefully accepted the invitation. 


CHAPTEK XXXIV. 


Mrs. Hogan called twice at the home of Mrs. Phil- 
lips in search of that lady. The first time she was met 
by the servant, who informed her that Mrs. Phillips 
was out; the second time by Miss Balk, who gave the 
same information, but who, in the same breath de- 
manded her informant’s business. The woman did not 
reply for a moment, and she twirled her hands in her 
shawl in a way that bespoke embarrassment. 

Oh,” said Barbara sharply, and with a look that 
made her listener shiver, if it’s any secret about Mrs. 
Phillips you had better say so.” 

Dear, no ! ” Mrs. Hogan, somewhat alarmed by 
the fierce demeanor of Barbara hastened to answer. 

It’s no secret about Mrs. Phillips at all. She doesn’t 
know what I want her for. It’s just a little private 
business of my own, and being as she was so good to us 
there awhile back, — coming to see us, and not alone 
helping me, but giving a lift from her purse to other 
poor creatures, — I thought I’d make bold to ask a favor 
from her, and ” 

There, there ; that will do ? ” interrupted Miss 
Balk, putting her hands to her ears in affected horror. 
298 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


29'9 


Mrs. Phillips has gone to Mr. Robinson’s, and I don’t 
know when she will be back,” and the door was closed 
almost in Mrs. Hogan’s face. 

The action was so abrupt that the woman stood for 
a moment, still twirling her hands in her shawl, and 
looking if she did not realize that she had been so rudely 
shut out. When she did, she said to herself : 

^^Paith, them that call Miss Balk queer have good 
right to say it. She hasn’t the manners of a kitchen- 
maid. I wonder if her mind is touched ? ” And as she 
turned away, and out to the road, she continued to 
soliloquize : It won’t do for me to call there again. 

It might raise queer suspicions in her mind if she saw 
me, and I can’t tell why, but I’d rather, somehow, she’d 
not know what I want to see Mrs. Phillips for. What 
shall I do? He’ll he so disappointed, poor man, when 
I go back again and tell him I didn’t see her. Well, 
there’s no help for it. I’ll have to put a bold face on 
myself, and come again to-morrow morning early.” 

Having thus decided, she began to walk at a more 
rapid gait, but when she arrived at a turn in the road 
which would take her directly to the other side of the 
village, she saw a richly dressed lady advancing to her, 
in whom, to her delight, she recognized Mrs. Phillips. 

Oh, ma’am ! ” she burst out eagerly, forgetting in 
her delight that it was not an equal she addressed; 

I’ve been to your house twice looking for you. There 
is a man stopping with us who wants a note taken to 


300 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Miss Burchill. He says he knew friends of hers long 
ago, and that he doesn’t like to call on her as he is in 
poor circumstances, and can’t dress presentable, but he 
is in a hurry to see her at our place. I’d have taken 
the note to her myself, but there’s a squeezing about my 
heart that won’t let me put foot on Mr. Robinson’s 
grounds, and I thought of you. You told me the last 
time you came to see us that you used to visit Miss 
Burchill every day. Maybe you wouldn’t mind giving 
the note to her.” 

Helen’s eyes glistened. A note to be intrusted to her 
for Miss Burchill from one of the sterner sex was a 
rare opportunity, and she extended her hand eagerly, 
while she said: 

I shall be most happy to do any favor for Miss 
Burchill. Let me have the note.” 

Oh, ma’am, if you wouldn’t mind coming to see the 
man? When I spoke of you he said he would like to 
see you first.” 

Helen turned immediately to accompany the woman, 
and the latter’s expression of gratitude had hardly 
ceased when they arrived at her own threshold. 

He in whom Mrs. Hogan had been so interested rose 
on their entrance. He had been sitting with his face 
buried in his hands, a posture which probably had given 
to his features their fiorid hue, for in a moment the 
color disappeared, and left him white as from illness. 
About forty years of age, and tall and well-formed, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


301 


there was a slight and not ungraceful stoop in his 
shoulders that gave him the air of one accustomed to 
deep thought. The stubble of an unshaved beard covered 
his chin, which, like the rest of his features, was large 
and strongly marked. He was evidently a man of great 
nerve and will, and were it not for a certain restlessness 
of the eyes, must have been capable of any command he 
undertook. As it was, despite his clothes, which were 
exceedingly shabby, there was a nameless something 
about him that proclaimed him far above what he 
seemed, and even dainty Helen was impressed in a way 
most unaccountable to herself. 

Mrs. Hogan introduced him as Mr. Wiley, and he 
said at once, in a deep, clear voice: 

I shall be much obliged to you Mrs. Phillips, if 
you can get a note from me to Miss Burchill to-day.” 

Certainly,” she answered sweetly. I have just 
returned from Mr. Robinson’s hut it will be no trouble 
to call there again to-day. I would do anything that 
has reference to dear Mildred.” 

You know Miss Burchill so intimately, then ? ” the 
stranger said. 

Intimately,” was the enthusiastic reply. Mildred 
Burchill is my very dearest friend.” 

A smile overspread his features for an instant, as if 
in cynical doubt of the friendship so warmly attested; 
but it disappeared, and he was asking gravely, as he 
extended to her a sealed packet: 


302 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Are you quite sure that you can place that note in 
Miss BurchilPs hand to-day ? ” 

Quite ; and to convince you, I shall depart imme- 
diately, without even waiting to speak to Mrs. Hogan’s 
little ones,” both of whom, from a little distance, were 
bashfully looking at the beautiful lady. 

And Helen took her leave, but she did not repair to 
The Castle. She hurried instead to her own home, 
and having found that some rare good fortune had sent 
Miss Balk out, she dispatched the servant abroad on an 
errand and went to the kitchen. Drawing forth the 
sealed packet, she held it above the steam of the boiling 
kettle until the seals dropped apart and the open letter 
lay in her hand. Then she hastened to her room, locked 
herself in, and read in bold, manly, but evidently hur- 
ried characters : 

I know not how to address you, for I am not aware 
that you know much, or in fact anything, about me, and 
yet it seems impossible to doubt that you have at least 
heard of Chester Horton, your mother’s only brother. 
Perhaps she has told you of her wild affection for me 
when I, in a reckless and impetuous youth, would burst 
from restraints that were only for my good. In my 
headstrong folly I ran away from her at last from Eng- 
land, where she lived then, and I came here to America. 
That was before you were born. Meeting with rebuffs 
more severe than I had anticipated I came at last to sow 
steadier oats. I obtained a good position with a banking 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


303 


firm in Boston, and I rose in the world. Strange chance 
made me acquainted with the sister of Caleb Robinson, 
the wealthy proprietor of the factory here. He was a 
loutish Yankee boy at that time, and while I loved his 
pretty sister, who was utterly unlike her brother, I 
could not bear him. He saw my dislike and resented 
it. We quarreled, and finally we got to keeping out 
of each other’s way. 

I continued to get on in the world, being advanced 
to the position of confidential clerk of the firm, and my 
home (for my wife loved me) was happy. I wrote to 
England to my sister, your mother, but it was only 
to receive in reply from those who knew her there that 
she had come to this country, — exactly where, they 
could not say. 

One black day the chief banker of the firm was 
discovered dead, evidently murdered. The books were 
found to have been tampered with, figures falsified, and 
whole records torn out, and everything was circum- 
stantially traced to me. I was innocent of all, but the 
sternest facts told against me, and I was about to be 
held for trial, when one of the partners in the firm who 
had been my warm friend from the time that I was 
advanced to my last position, and who now expressed his 
belief in my innocence and sympathized with me, con- 
trived to get me secretly away. He intended that I 
should flee to Europe, but I determined to linger a day 
in order to enlist Caleb Robinson’s sympathies for my 


304 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


wife and child, whom I must now abandon for a time. 
It was a dangerous expedient, but I did not shrink, and 
I came here secretly to Eastbury, staying in disguise at 
one of the humble places in the village, while I dis- 
patched a letter to Kobinson appealing with all the force 
of which I was capable to his sympathies, and begging 
his care for my wife and little one. He sent me an 
answer the words of which at that time cut me to the 
quick. 

It was while waiting for his answer that I accident- 
ally learned of your mother’s residence in Eastbury. I 
even saw her, and you with her, Mildred. You were 
then a child of seven or eight years, and my first impulse 
was to flee to you both, but sterner thoughts restrained 
me. I had given sufficient pain to your mother’s heart 
in the past without now inflicting an additional one, as 
I must do if I disclosed the cause of my presence in 
Eastbury. Also, she might not believe me innocent of 
the crimes with which I was charged, and that would 
cut me to the soul. So I fled, but the very next day I 
was apprehended and brought back to Boston for my 
trial. 

The sentence came speedily enough, and but for 
the efforts made in my behalf by the partner of whom I 
have spoken it would have been my execution; as it 
was, it was imprisonment for life. I bore it as well as 
I could. I tore myself from my wife and babe, and 
faced with what resignation I could summon, the grim 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 305 

life before me. Mj wife wrote to me and sent me fre- 
quent pictures of herself and my child, but we never met. 
I did not desire it, for I felt the meeting in such a place 
vrould have been too much for her. She died at last; 
they gave me word of that and that Caleb Kobinson had 
taken my little girl. Oh, the fierce longing to behold my 
child that ate up my soul then ! I felt as if I must burst 
the prison walls and be free ; but I had to be patient, and 
I carefully bided my time. My good conduct for so many 
years won for me many privileges, and at last there 
came a chance of escape. I seized it, and with a will 
to drive every obstacle from my path I secretly made my 
way, and Providence favoring me, I arrived here yester- 
day. My cautious inquiries elicited sufficient to guide 
me to the Hogans’ where I presented myself as one 
Kobert Wiley, who had known your relatives in Eng- 
land, and was now anxious to see you. They are simple, 
good people, and all that they have told me about you, 
reassures and consoles me. It seems like a singular and 
tender dispensation of Providence that you should have 
the care of my darling. Did you know that she was so 
nearly related to you ? Have you learned to love each 
other? And how, Mildred, will you meet me? Will 
you believe in my innocence ? Will you meet me as 
your mother’s once idolized brother? It was a relief 
to write all this rather than wait to tell it to you, and 
besides I wanted you to know my history before you 
should meet me. How having written it, I am in doubt 
20 


306 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


how to get it to you. I have a fear of trusting it to the 
mail, for by this time there must be a hue and cry after 
me, and Mrs. Hogan has some strange repugnance to 
setting foot on Robinson^s premises, but she has promised 
to find me a trusty messenger. When this reaches you, 
will you come as soon as possible to Mrs. Hogan^s ? I 
feel every moment as if some detective were ready to 
grasp me, but I shall brave it all in order to see my 
daughter. When you come, perhaps you can devise 
some means of bringing her to me, if only for a few 
minutes. It is unnecessary to warn you to burn this 
letter, and to guard its contents sacredly within your 
own breast. 

Impatiently until I see you. 

Your uncle in distress, 

Robert Wiley.” 

Mrs. Phillips’ cheeks were glowing and her eyes 
sparkling when she finished reading, and yet she felt a 
keen sense of disappointment. She had hoped that this 
letter from a masculine stranger to Miss Burchill might 
have revealed something unfavorable to the character or 
reputation of the governess, and in that case what an 
opportunity would she not have, what ways and means 
would she not employ, to let Gerald know that Miss 
Burchill was not such a pattern of virtue! But the 
letter, as it was, was of a kind, could Gerald read its 
contents, to enlist his interest in and sympathy for the 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


307 


governess. She bit her lip in her vexation and dis- 
appointment, and her brow gathered into a scowl that 
took away much of its beauty. At length her face 
brightened, and hurriedly getting writing materials, she 
copied every word of the letter. That done, she sealed 
the original, and with both documents safely in her 
pocket, again hurried out. Miss Balk had not yet 
returned, and Helen walked with utmost speed, lest 
she should meet her, for inexplicably to herself, she had 
a sickening dread of encountering the spinster just 
then. Perhaps she felt that the ominous-looking, 
penetrating eyes, that seemed to have the knack of 
observing what was not intended for them, would dis- 
cover, somehow, the base act of which she had just been 
guilty. But Barbara did not appear, and Mrs. Phillips 
was again at The Castle, three hours after she had 
left it. Robinson, however, was out, and the servant 
could not tell the time of his return. She would wait, 
and she seated herself at one of the windows that com- 
manded a view of the path by which any pedestrian 
must come who sought entrance to the house, debating 
with herself whether to send immediately Mr. Wiley’s 
letter to Miss Burchill, or to wait until she had her 
interview with Robinson. While she was thus undecided 
she saw Thurston coming up the path. In a moment 
her resolution was formed. She bounded out to the hall 
and confronted him just as he opened the door. 

Drawing the sealed packet from her pocket she 


308 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


extended it, saying at the same time, with an air of 
gentle and melancholy reproach: 

Obedience to the harsh request which you sent me 
this morning reduces me to my present strait. I was 
intrusted with this letter for Miss Burchill. The 
gentleman who gave it to me was most anxious to have it 
reach her from my hand, but I have been rudely excluded 
from her apartments. In my perplexity as to how I 
should gratify his desire, I have been waiting here to see 
Mr. Robinson. However, as you are Miss BurchilFs 
friend and champion, I shall give it to you.” 

Gerald took the letter, saying quietly, though her 
words had aroused unpleasant surprise and doubt in 
his own mind: 

There need have been no difficulty about so simple a 
matter as conveying a letter to Miss Burchill. A servant 
is always at hand. However, as you say, I am Miss 
BurchilVs friend/^ with an emphasis on the last phrase 
that cut his listener to the soul, and I shall deliver 
it to her.” 

He bowed gravely and left her. Had he once turned 
back to see the expression which distorted her features 
he might well have wondered how he ever had been won 
by the charm of her beauty. Rage and hate changed the 
color of her face and swelled the veins in her forehead, 
causing her temples to throb with such agony that she 
pressed them against the cold glass of the window- 
panes for relief. That which added to her unhappy 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


309 


emotions was the thought that Mildred, in her dismay 
and perhaps grief at the contents of the letter would 
reveal those contents to Gerald, and thus secure in him 
a firmer friend than he might be even at present. She 
writhed at the thought, even though she experienced no 
little satisfaction at the remembrance of having told 
him that it was a gentleman who had given the letter. 

Robinson was coming in. She hastened to compose 
her face, and to meet him with the pretty, and confi- 
dential air which she knew exerted so winning an 
influence upon him. 

Take me to your study,’^ she said sweetly. I 
have something so secret and so important to tell you.’’ 

He led the way to that apartment, ringing as soon 
as he had entered it, for the candles to be lighted, 
though the wintry day had not yet declined, and he did 
not even seat himself until every wax light was ablaze. 

Helen drew forth a copy of Robert Wiley’s letter: 

You will wonder, my dear Mr. Robinson, at the 
accident which placed the original of this in my posses- 
sion, and which Miss Burchill has by this time. It was 
given to me for her by the man who signs himself there. 
As I was excluded from Miss Burchill’s apartments, I 
gave it into Mr. Thurston’s charge.” 

Robinson adjusted his spectacles and read it: read it 
more than once, from the length of time which elapsed 
until he looked up from its perusal. Then his face was 
so changed that she shrank involuntarily from him. 


310 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


The crimson spots which any mental disturbance brought 
into his cheeks were burning there fiercely, and con- 
trasted with the yellow hue and dried, parchment-like 
appearance of the rest of his face, gave him a very 
singular look. His mouth, was drawn into an expression 
of such determination that his lips seemed like a thin 
blue line. 

She summoned courage to say : 

I thought it right for you, Mr. Robinson, to know 
the contents of that letter as well as Miss Burchill ; and 
I thought also ’’ — she had conquered her fear, and she 
pulled her chair to his, and put her hand in its old 
confiding fashion upon his arm — its contents rightly 
used must bring Miss Burchill to your feet.’’ 

Eh ! What do you mean ? ” And the red spots on 
his cheeks glowed the more, and his eyes from which he 
had taken the spectacles, flamed at her like little balls 
of greenish fire. 

Has not the thought suggested itself to you ? ” 
Her voice was so tremulous from her eagerness that she 
could scarcely pronounce the words. Could you not, 
with your wealth and influence, place this Chester Hor- 
ton or Robert Wiley as he signs himself here, in secur- 
ity ? Could you not assist him to such a disguise that 
in another country he could live safely with his daughter 
if they should both so wish it? And could you not 
make all this the condition of Miss Burchill’s becoming 
your wife ? Set before her the two alternatives : Mrs. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


811 


Robinson, with her uncle placed in safety and assisted 
to a comfortable living, or Miss Burchill, with her 
uncle remanded to prison and her relationship with him 
given to the public. It may be that her affection for him 
will not be sufficiently great to make her consent to 
your wish, especially now, as I more than suspect that 
she loves Gerald Thurston, while, on the contrary, her 
sense of duty, or her affection for her cousin Cora, or 
both, may be motives sufficient to win her consent with 
little difficulty. In either case, since you wish Miss 
Burchill to accept your hand, my plan seems a feasi- 
ble one, does it not ? 

She was glowing as if the flame of a heated furnace 
fanned her face. The factory owner had not once taken 
his eyes from hers, and now they seemed to burn into 
her own as he said : 

You are a pooty little witch, Mrs. Phillips ; I 
wouldnT have thought of that, nohow.’’ 

Helen, exulting that her proposition seemed to be 
so well received, hastened to add: 

But you must be careful, Mr. Robinson, — careful 
lest Miss Burchill should confide in Mr. Thurston; 
his sympathies once enlisted, Chester Horton might be 
got without much difficulty beyond even your reach.” 

Oh, yes ; I shan’t forget all that. But this thing 
about Miss Burchill liking Gerald. Are you pooty sure 
of that ? ” 

From all I have seen lately — ^yes ; but the regard 


312 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


on Mr. Thurston’s part is owing to his admiration of her 
virtue. Once prove to him that Miss Burchill has flaws 
in her character as well as other people, and his esteem 
will scarcely remain. I fancy that I gave him one 
unpleasant subject of thought when I handed him that 
letter and told him it was from a gentleman. I think 
it rather startled him to find she had a man friend other 
than himself. So, Mr. Kobinson, if you will work 
carefully, restraining any precipitation, and if Miss 
Burchill has discretion enough not to confide in Mr. 
Thurston, and if she has sufficient tenderness of heart 
to see occasionally this unfortunate relative of hers, why 
Mr. Thurston may get to know of her surreptitious 
visits, and they may cause him to wonder, and perhaps 
doubt a little in this lady’s affection for himself.” 

Eobinson was looking at her with a curiosity in his 
expression almost ludicrous, and he said as soon as she 
had ceased: 

So you ain’t sich a friend to Miss Burchill as we 
thought you be. Well, if you women don’t beat us men 
all to pieces for smilin’ at each other when you’d 
rather be tearing each other’s eyes out.” 

Oh, no! Mr. Eobinson. Don’t judge us — don’t 
judge me — so harshly. I ivas Miss Burchill’s friend 
until she turned Gerald against me, — Gerald for whom 
I would have done anything.” 

It appears to me that you have more’n a step- 
mother’s liking for Gerald,” said the factory owner. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


313 


Helen had gone so far in her confidence to this man 
whom she secretly loathed, that she felt impelled to go 
still farther, and with a reckless disregard of the dic- 
tates of prudence, she told him, with her handkerchief 
to her eyes, of her former engagement to Gerald. 

Methusala ! ” exclaimed the factory owner. “ I 
reckon I understand it all now. That’s the reason 
Gerald acts so queer and stiff to you. But how in 
thunder did you come to marry his father, — for his 
money, eh ? ” 

In answer to which Helen told a very pretty little 
story, exculpating herself entirely, and rather making 
herself out the victim of a plot by the Tillotsons to 
marry her to Phillips, of whose relationship to Thurston 
she was quite ignorant. Gerald had neglected her; he 
had not answered her letters ; he had not concerned him- 
self about her, and she, poor innocent, in despair and 
helpless, had become the bride of Mr. Phillips. 

I did not inform him of the fact that I had been 
engaged to another,” she continued, through the tears 
which she could make to flow at will, because that 
other had so cruelly neglected me; but when we were 
married it seemed to me that I should have no secrets 
from my husband, and I told him then, hardly two 
hours after the ceremony. But how did he receive it? 
Instead of accepting it as a proof of my wifely honor, 
instead of cherishing me for my frankness, he threw 
me from him, calling me a terrible name ; and when I 


314 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


fell, stunned by his act and his words, he hade me 
begone. I fled from him, but before I reached the door 
Heaven had punished him, for he fell in the flt which 
preceded his death.” 

Her face was now buried in her handkerchief, and 
she was gently sobbing. 

The factory owner’s memory had been working while 
she recounted her tale, calling up, almost unconsciously 
to himself, the tragic portions of the Phillips will case, 
that he had read with such avidity at the time, and he 
exclaimed : 

You didn’t tell that when you was called to give 
your testimony in the court. If I recollect right, you 
said your husband was good and kind to you to the last, 
didn’t you? And wa’n’t that the point some of the 
lawyers tried to make, — that if there was any disagree- 
ment between you it would have shown good grounds 
for a change in the will ? ” 

Helen was a little frightened. She had not thought 
to have gone so far in her tale, nor to have had it 
produce such a thought in Kobinson’s mind. 

I’m sure I don’t know,” she said. “ I 'was not 
myself at that horrible time, and then to discover that 
Gerald was the son of the man I had married nearly 
killed me.” She was sobbing again. 

The factory owner waited for her emotion to subside, 
and when she took her handkerchief from her eyes 
they had nothing of the homely appearance which 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


315 


copious weeping gives to most eyes. Tears glistened 
in a very pretty way on her eyelashes and cheeks, but 
that was all. 

Robinson looked from her to the open letter, asking : 

Was it you wrote this, and wanT the letter sealed 
that you gave Miss Burchill ? ’’ 

Helen laughed and averted her head, as she answered : 

You must not question the offices a friend performs 
for you. If I have done you a service, prove your grati- 
tude by accepting it unquestioned; if not, do not cen- 
sure me for having tried to serve you.’’ 

And serve yourself at the same time, eh ? ” 

And the factory owner grinned sickeningly; then he 
continued : 

You want Miss Burchill out of the way of Gerald, 
even if you cant have him. Well, it’s all right as long 
as I want Miss Burchill; and I reckon we’re about 
alike in our thoughts just now, both of us havin’ a 
mind to do anything that’ll make us succeed. We’ll be 
pooty sure not to blab on each other, and I am sort of 
obliged to you for what you’ve done, Mrs. Phillips, 
though it’s been kind of dirty work for a lady like you 
to open a sealed letter.” 

I did not tell you that I opened a sealed letter,” she 
said, growing slightly pale. 

It’s all the same as if you told me. How in thunder 
could you git this,” pointing to the letter before him, 
if you didn’t have the other ? and it ain’t likely Chester 


316 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Horton would have sent a letter to Miss Burchill with- 
out sealing it. But you needn’t look so sheered; I 
ain’t going to blab anything, and, as I said before, I’m 
obliged to you.” He rose, folding the letter as he did 
so preparatory to putting it into his pocket. 

Let me have it,” she said, extending her hand, or 
destroy it now, in my presence,” as he shook his head 
in answer to her request. 

must have it,” she repeated, almost trying to 
snatch it; but he evaded her, and answered while he 
shut it up in his pocketbook. 

I allers like to keep sich dockyments for a while ; 
but as I said before, you needn’t be sheered ; my keep- 
ing it ain’t going to do you no harm.” 

The clock on the mantel chimed the hour as he spoke, 
and he raised his eyes at the sound. In an instant the 
same mysterious change came over his appearance which 
had so disturbed Miss Burchill during her interview 
with him on the night of the ride. His knees visibly 
shook, and his very teeth seemed to chatter, while his 
eyes looked over Mrs. Phillips, and apparently to a 
distant corner of the room. She turned affrightedly to 
see the cause of his evident terror, but as in the case of 
Mildred, scarcely a shadow was observable. 

What is it, Mr. Robinson ? ” she exclaimed, turn- 
ing to him with lips and cheeks as pale as were his 
own. 

He raised his hand as if to motion her to silence, and 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


317 


his lips moved, but no sound came from them. She, as 
completely terrified as he seemed to be, was uncertain 
whether to fly or to remain; indeed, her limbs appeared 
to he paralyzed, and she leaned in a helpless way against 
the chair beside which she stood, while she felt as if her 
very hair were standing on end. At length he turned 
his eyes from the part of the room where they had been 
steadfastly fixed, and sank into his chair with a great 
long drawn breath of relief, while the perspiration rolled 
from his face. 

Sheered ? ” he said looking up at Helen, and 
attempting to smile, but the attempt was almost an exact 
representation of the grin of a death’s-head. You 
didn’t see anything,” as Helen now totally overcome, 
sank into her chair. Spooks don’t come arter you, 
yet. They come arter me. They come every day, but 
mostly later than this.” 

Let me out,” moaned Helen. I shall faint here.” 

Pooh, pooh ! ” said the factory owner, now quite 
recovered. Don’t be so skeered ; them spooks don’t 
do no harm. Wonder old Phillips’ spook don’t come 
arter you.” 

But Helen seemed on the verge of fainting, and he 
hastened to lead her out to the piazza, where the sharp, 
frosty air revived her. 

I’ll go home,” she said, eager for the first time in 
all her life to be away from The Castle. She had a 
wild feeling of some mysterious presence being still 


318 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


about her, and Robinson, as he stood beside her, tall, 
spare, and curious-looking, seemed in the semi-darkness 
like a ghost himself. To her greater disgust, he insisted 
on accompanying her home; she looked so white and 
weak that he feared some accident to her on the way, 
and he would not trust her to a servant’s care lest she 
might unconsciously make some revelation of the recent 
scene in the study ; so despite her protest and entreaties, 
he accompanied her, leaving her only when the door of 
her own dwelling had closed upon her. He had refused 
the invitation to enter, much to Helen’s satisfaction, her 
satisfaction being increased when she saw Barbara in 
the hall, that lady having hurried thence when she heard 
the knocker — and she had been in ample time to see 
Helen’s escort. Mrs. Phillips was still so pale that it 
excited Miss Balk’s curious attention, and her greet- 
ing was : 

You look as white as if you had seen a ghost.” 

The widow shuddered and looked at the black eyes 
fixed upon her own with a thought that, resolved into 
words, would have been: 

Is this woman a devil, that she seems to divine 
everything ? ” 

But she did not answer, and she was proceeding to 
her room, when Barbara followed her, saying: 

Is old Robinson falling into that net you set for 
Gerald ? Well, you won’t have such a tug to pull him 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


319 


in, but won’t he lead you the life when he gets you 1 
You’ll do penance for all your sins then, Helen.” 

Mrs. Phillips would endure no more; she turned 
short upon the stair which she was ascending, and 
stamping her foot, screamed rather than said : 

How dare you insinuate such things of me ! And 
you have fallen wide of the mark this time. Mr. Robin- 
son will make Miss Burchill his wife.” 

Really ? ” replied Barbara with a coolness which 
showed no astonishment at the information. And,” 
she continued, will Miss Burchill make Mr. Robinson 
her husband, or does the desire exist alone upon his 
part ? ” 

The lady has not told me her feelings upon the 
subject,” answered Helen sarcastically. 

Ho, not likely, especially as she has more chances 
of becoming Mrs . Thurston than you have. Don’t 
be in such a hurry to get away from me,” as Helen was 
beating a precipitate retreat to her room. I have 
another word to say. Mrs Hogan was here looking for 
you. Guess you’ve discontinued all that goody-good 
business, haven’t you ? She spoke as if you hadn’t been 
there in some time. You gave it up when you found it 
wasn’t likely to win Gerald, and it’s troublesome, this 
playing the hypocrite.” But Helen had locked herself 
in her room. 


CHAPTEK XXXV. 


Thurston was himself the bearer of the letter to 
Miss Burchill, summoning her for that purpose to the 
parlor. Perhaps he wanted to observe her manner when 
she took it, for having glanced at the superscription, 
and having seen that it was written in a fine manly 
hand, he was conscious of a slight pang lest Miss Burch- 
ilFs affections were already engaged. But her surprise 
was so great and so genuine as she received it that he 
felt quite relieved. He had told her from whose hand 
he had taken it, and in her astonishment at being the 
recipient of a letter — she had no correspondents — she 
forgot to wonder why Mrs. Phillips had not been herself 
the bearer of it. Having made a few kind inquiries, 
Gerald left her to its perusal. She took it to her room. 

O my God ! ” she said when she had read it, and her 
tears were falling fast, how inscrutable are Thy ways ! 
It was, indeed, a tender dispensation of Thine that 
made me the teacher and companion of his child. Oh, 
mother, I shall now have an opportunity of fulfilling 
your bequest. He must be in sore need. My poor, 
poor uncle ! ” 

She rose and hastily dressed herself for a walk ; 
then taking from a trunk her little savings from the 
320 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


321 


salary she had been paid by Robinson, and avoiding 
Cora, who was dressing for the evening dinner, she 
hurried out and took her way to the Hogans’ home. 

Heither Mr. nor Mrs. Hogan had any curiosity to 
know more about the stranger who had solicited from 
them an abiding place than what he had told them, and 
it sufficed that he was a friend of Miss Burchill. Owing 
to their warm regard for her, her name was a passport 
to any kindness they could render; so Wiley, as he called 
himself, was treated to the best the poor people could 
afford, and neither plied with questions nor asked to 
talk upon any subject further than that upon which he 
might choose to speak himself. As soon as Miss Burch- 
ill appeared, Mrs. Hogan, with instinctive delicacy, 
before suffering her to meet the stranger, ushered her 
into an adjoining room, and bade Mr. Wiley follow. 
So the two were quite alone when they met. Both 
stood irresolute for a moment, each actuated by emotions 
which at once impelled them to and restrained them from 
each other. 

At length he extended his hands, and said with a 
tremor in his voice that awoke her keenest sympathy : 
Are you glad or sorry to see me, Mildred ? ” 

All that her mother had told her of her own wild 
affection for this same man when he was a youth seemed 
to come before her, and in his face, which bore in its 
features a striking resemblance to Cora, there seemed to 
be all the candor and affection which must win such 
21 


322 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


regard. She sprang to him and flung her arms about his 
neck, while her tears fell passionately upon his bosom. 
He strained her to him, his own eyes moist, and his lip 
quivering. When their emotions had subsided, he led 
her to a seat, and said, as he seated himself: 

Your face has the same expression that it had when 
I saw you last, a child. 

And you,’’ she replied, have much of the look 
which your picture has, — the picture my mother gave me 
before her death.” 

Tell me about her,” he said eagerly, — all about 
her. She was mother, father, sister, everything to me 
in my youth.” 

And Mildred told him, though her voice was often 
choked by tears that came at the revival of tender rec- 
ollections. Then he asked her to tell about his daughter, 
the child whom he had not seen since she was a babe of 
a few months. She told everything she knew of Cora, 
described her looks and her disposition, and then she 
detailed her own interview with Robinson, from which 
she first learned of her relationship to the factory 
owner’s niece. Wiley’s face grew a little dark as he 
listened, but he said when she had concluded: 

I cannot conquer my dislike to this Robinson ; but I 
owe him no small amount of gratitude at least for doing 
for my child. And I am very grateful to him for not 
telling her that her father was a convict. She shall 
never learn that from my lips. And now ” — he lowered 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


323 


his voice still more, though the whole conversation had 
been almost in whispered tones — I had a glimpse of 
to-day’s paper. Hogan brought it home with him at 
noon, and the hue and cry after me is in full heat. By 
some strange luck there was another prisoner of my 
name, Horton. It was by his help I escaped. His 
term was also a long one, and his friends, who were 
many and powerful, made desperate secret efforts for his 
escape. Being allowed many privileges, as I told you 
in my letter, it was not difficult for me to hold communi- 
cation with him. The similarity of our names drew me 
to him; we became attached, and the assistance to es- 
cape given to him was also extended to me. We got 
away, ‘helped from one house to another, and he urged 
me to remain with him ; but he was going to sea, and I 
wanted to behold my child. We parted, and I see hj^ 
to-day’s paper that they have tracked him to the time of 
his having shipped on a whaling voyage, and they think 
that I have done the same. Hot a clue has brought them 
in this direction, so that I am safe, — at least for the pres- 
ent. Last night I sounded Hogan out there, and he 
seems to be a simple, good fellow, though with strong 
passions and prejudices. I hinted at settling down here 
to some kind of work, and he spoke of the shop where he 
is employed. 

All that I want, now that Cora is as well done for 
as you say she is, is to see her occasionally, without let- 
ting her know that I am her father. Being a babe 


324 : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


when I left her, she does not remember me, and to reveal 
myself to her, being what I am, would inflict upon her 
only needless pain, — pain which might cause her, in 
spite of herself, to betray my whereabouts to her uncle. 
ISlo ; I will never do it,’’ straightening himself with that 
air of determination which gave so marked a character 
to his features ; and when I have seen her, should the 
law again seize me I shall he satisfied. My life is a 
blighted thing now, and were it not for Cora, I should 
have made no effort to escape. I am innocent of the 
crime for which I have been imprisoned, hut having 
been condemned and made to suffer so unjustly, I have 
since had it in my heart more than once to do worse than 
that I have been accused of. But ” making an effort 
to recover from his despondency, and speaking with an 
air of cheerfulness, what do you think about my work- 
ing with Hogan ? I think I can,” as he saw her glance 
at his hands, which were small and evidently not much 
used to hard labor. I have done many a rough thing 
in the prison, and I could board here with the Hogans, 
and occasionally, through your contrivance, see Cora. 
Introduced to her as an old friend of your mother’s, I 
could sometimes have an opportunity of speaking to her, 
if only when meeting her out in the road. But how are 
the people about here ? Much given to gossip ? I don’t 
want Eohinson to have a sight of me.” 

You could keep out of his way without much diffi- 
culty,” she replied. But seeing Cora will not be quite 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 325 

so easy. I have never brought her here, and to do so 
now might excite strange suspicions.’’ 

He reflected for a moment : 

Do you ever walk with her afar from the house ? 
Mention some spot. I shall not ask to speak to her, only 
to see her as she passes with you.” He broke down and 
sobbed like a child. 

Don’t,” said Mildred, flinging her arms about him, 
and scarcely able to speak through her own tears. 

And why not let her know you ? Her affection, 
secret though it must be, will be such a comfort to 
you ; and you need not fear for her prudence with regard 
to any betrayal of you to her uncle. I can vouch for 
that.” 

He shook his head : 

Ho, no ! I shall not blight the very springtime of 
her life by letting her know that her father is an es- 
caped state-prison convict. If she must know it when 
she becomes older be it so, for by that time I may be be- 
yond the reach of further earthly injustice. Then, 
also, I have a hope, which never wholly deserts me that 
the justice of God will some time prove my innocence to 
the world, — prove it before He summons me to His 
tribunal ; and because of that hope, I would conceal my- 
self at least a little longer from Cora. But tell me 
where I can wait for you and her to pass to-morrow.” 

On the morrow Cora would take her music lesson 
from Clarmont. But Mildred feared that Mrs. Phillips 


326 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


as usual, would be in tbe way, either to accompany them 
from The Castle or to join them in coming from the pro- 
fessor^s. I^^ot being aware of Thurston^s good offices in 
her behalf, she did not dream that Mrs. Phillips would 
alone not inflict her society upon her as usual in The 
Castle, but that the little lady intended also to discon- 
tinue her visits to Clarmont. It was true that on rare 
occasions Cora and she did take walks into the country 
beyond the village; she could propose such a walk the 
next morning, and she told him the time and the route 
they would take. His eyes glistened with pleasure. 

And you need not know me either,’’ he said. “ I 
fear if you attempted any recognition of me, I might be 
tempted into something that would betray me to her. 
And now you, of course, will be careful to say nothing of 
me to any one. Are you sure that you will not uncon- 
sciously betray having seen me ? Do you swear that 
you will keep my presence here in Eastbury a secret 
from every one ? ” He spoke with an assumption of 
playfulness, and yet there was an evident desire that 
she would bind herself as he requested. 

I swear,” she said, to say nothing about you to 
anybody.” And then, both anxious to end the interview 
lest its extreme length might cause the Hogans to 
wonder, he kissed her and led the way into the other 
room. 

The traces of tears were yet on Miss Burchill’s face, 
observing which, Mrs. Hogan said : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


327 


It^s no wonder youM cry, poor dear, with the joy of 
meeting some one that knew your poor mother’s people ; 
and sure if Mr. Wiley ’d like, Dick can get him work in 
the shop, an’ he can board with us, an’ then you can see 
him often.” For which kind offer both Mildred and 
Mr. Wiley expressed their gratitude. 

The next morning on the conclusion of the lessons, 
Cora was delighted at Miss Burchill’s proposal for a 
walk, and she donned her hat in the gayest good-humor. 

It’s so delightful,” she said as she danced into Mil- 
dred’s room, where the latter was putting on her own 
hat, to be free from Mrs. Phillips ; she hasn’t been 
near us for a whole day. I must tell Mr. Thurston that 
at dinner to-night, for I told him day before yesterday 
what a torment she was to us.” Mildred suspended the 
adjusting of her hat. Oh now, don’t look as if I did 
something dreadful,” Cora hastened to say, quailing a 
little before the look of reproach. I couldn’t help it, 
and I guess Mr. Thurston was ever so glad to know all 
about her, for I don’t think he likes her a bit. But I 
know he likes you. Miss Burchill.” And, before the 
latter could resist, Cora had well-nigh smothered her 
with an embrace and had run off laughing ; it prevented 
her from seeing how Mildred had blushed at the men- 
tion of Gerald’s name. 

The morning was clear and bracing, and the walk, 
when they reached the outskirts of the village, though 
through a scene somewhat desolate because of the absence 


328 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


of all foliage, was still not without its charm. Cora was 
in the merriest humor, and her own sparkling vivacity, 
together with the crisp air, had tinged her cheeks with 
a brilliant hue, and imparted to her eyes a gleam that 
made her beautiful. Mildred was far from being in the 
same spirits ; a nameless anxiety haunted her ; it caused 
her to start sometimes at the shadows that crossed their 
path, and to throw on all sides of her restless, though 
covert, glances. They had walked a mile or more from 
The Castle, and were now on a part of the road where 
there were few houses, and those of the rudest farm sort. 
They were the only pedestrians, and beyond a country 
wagon which occasionally passed them, and an infre- 
quent sight of children about the entrances to the few 
houses, they saw nothing to betoken active life. Sud- 
denly both beheld a form approaching them from the 
distance, and Miss BurchilPs heart began to palpitate 
wildly. It was that of a man walking rapidly and 
quickening his pace when he saw them. As he came 
nearer Miss Burchill flushed and paled, and drew her 
breath hard, but her pupil, having no reason to attach 
any interest to the stranger, scarcely gave him a second 
look. She was occupied in observing the fantastic 
shapes assumed by the bare interlaced limbs of some of 
the trees that grew by the roadside, and she paused to 
look at them just as Wiley reached them; but even then 
Cora did not look in his direction. Mildred, in obe- 
dience to his request of the previous day, did not offer 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. ^20 

to recognize him, but she could scarcely refrain from an 
exclamation when she saw the expression of his face as 
his eyes rested upon his daughter, who, still intently 
looking at the trees, seemed to he unconscious of his 
presence. 

There was a longing amounting to agony in his look, 
and his features worked for an instant as if he, too, 
were repressing some exclamation. Finding that the 
girl did not yet turn her face to him he paused as if a 
will stronger than his own stayed his steps. The fact 
of his standing almost beside her compelled Cora to turn 
to him, and she started and recoiled before the look of 
those eyes fixed with wild wistfulness upon her own. 
He recovered himself then, and went hastily on. But 
not so with Cora : she looked after him and clutched Miss 
BurchilFs arm. 

Who is that man ? she asked ; and why did he 
look at me so ? ” And then seeing that Mildred was 
almost as agitated as herself, she continued, “ Did he 
frighten you ? ” 

Ho, no ! ” was the quick reply, and Miss Burchill, 
to draw attention from herself, looked after the stranger. 
Her pupil looked also. He was walking on slowly, his 
head bent, and his clothes betraying their exceeding 
shabbiness in the morning sunlight. The girl’s sym- 
pathies were aroused and her generous heart touched by 
his apparent poverty and the dejection of his mien. 
Tears filled her eyes, and she hurriedly searched for her 
pocketbook. 


330 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


He is in need/’ she said. I must give him some- 
thing.” And before her companion could restrain her, 
she had darted after him. 

Miss Burchill was dismayed ; she knew not what effect 
such an action on the part of Cora might produce, 
whether it would harrow him into an impetuous avowal 
of his relationship, or add another silent pang to the 
bitterness of his soul. But the girl had reached him, 
and was tendering her pocketbook. Evidently it was 
refused, for she drew it back, hut immediately after she 
selected something from its contents and proffered it. 
It was accepted, and she turned away and hastily re- 
traced her steps. She seemed very grave, and began 
before she had quite rejoined Miss Burchill: 

He would not accept my purse, but he said he would 
take a small coin as a remembrance of my kindness. 
And if you could see his eyes when he said that ! They 
looked as if they would pierce me through. Do you 
think he is a stranger here ? ” 

I think he is,” answered Miss Burchill, who had 
quite recovered from her agitation. 

Poor man ! ” pursued the girl, and during the walk, 
which Miss Burchill purposely prolonged, she gave utter- 
ance at intervals to exclamations which told how her 
thoughts turned persistently to the stranger. Mildred 
debated in her own mind the propriety of cautioning her 
to silence. So strangely impressed as Cora seemed to 
be, she would be more than likely to speak of the recent 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


331 


incident at the dinner-table; and Robinson, knowing 
from the daily press of his brother-in-law^s escape, 
might be shrewd enough to have strange suspicions. 
And yet her very caution, did she give it, must seem 
odd to her companion, and awaken in the latter’s mind 
surmises that the stranger was not entirely unknown to 
Miss Burchill. But as Cora continued to wonder about 
him Miss Burchill deemed it incumbent upon her to 
give the caution: 

I think, dear, it would be better for you to say noth- 
ing to your uncle of having met this poor man.” 

Cora’s great eyes opened wider : 

Why ? Uncle might know something about him.” 

I think it would be better not to say anything to 
your uncle,” was the reply ; he might think it a little 
dangerous to expose ourselves as we do on these long, 
unprotected walks, and so prohibit us from taking 
them.” 

I never thought of that,” said Cora slowly ; and I 
guess you’re right. I won’t say anything to uncle. 
But oh, how I wish I knew the man’s name and where he 
lives! I can’t forget his look.” 

Perhaps if you are patient we may find it all out in 
time. I can make inquiries when I go to see Mrs. 
Hogan.” 

That assurance seemed to satisfy the girl, and Mil- 
dred considerably relieved, proposed that they should 
turn homeward. 


CHAPTER XXXYL 


Miss Buechill had scarcely finished her quiet lunch 
when a message was brought to her from Mr. Robinson, 
to the effect that he wished to see her in his study. 
Such a summons was so rare that it caused her to wonder 
and become exceedingly anxious. Could it have any- 
thing to do with her uncle? she asked herself, as pale 
and trembling she descended the stair. It being little 
more than midday, the wax candles were not yet lighted 
in the study, and the cheerful wintry sun was streaming 
into the apartment. Robinson was seated in front of 
the ample grate fire and beside a small table, on which 
lay open a Xew York daily paper, but bearing the date 
of a couple of days before. 

Jist draw a chair up here. Miss Burchill,” he said, 
as if he were too much absorbed in the paper to pay her 
any save the most cursory attention. She obeyed, and 
when she was seated he turned the paper to her, point- 
ing to a column which was headed : 

Xo clue as yet to the whereabouts of the escaped 
convict Chester Horton.^’ 

Did you know that he^d escaped ? he asked, draw- 
ing the paper from her. 


332 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


333 


She had become so pale that even her lips were blood- 
less ; but when she answered a faint Yes/’ the color 
surged back madly into her face and neck. 

Well,” said Robinson, rising, and kicking his chair 
from him, there ain’t no use in mincing matters any 
longer. I’ll jist tell you at once what I wanted you 
for.” 

He stood directly before her, his hands behind his 
back, where they worked nervously together, and his yel- 
low cheeks beginning to glow in spots, as they always did 
in excitement. 

Chester Horton’s escaped, and he’s here in East- 
bury. He’s down at Hogan’s ; but I’ve got him so well 
shadowed by this time that there ain’t no possible way of 
his gitting away again. How, what I’ve got to say is 
this: as I told you before, I hain’t no special cause to 
like the man, and it would be jist the sweetest bit of 
revenge I’ve had in a good while to turn him over to 
the law. But I won’t do it; and I’ll go further than 
that. I’ll git him safely off anywhere he wants to go; 
I’ll let Cora go with him if she wants to, and I’ll give 
’em both plenty of means to last ’em all their life, if 
you ’ll marry me. Miss Burchill.” 

She sprang from her chair, but it was only to sink into 
it again overpowered by a horror which had left her 
voiceless, and she lifted her hands in mute protestation 
and entreaty, while her agonized face must have touched 
any heart save the pitiless one of him who stood unmoved 


334 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


before her. Her thoughts were one wild chaos ; she did 
not even think to question how he came by his informa- 
tion. She could think of nothing save the dreadful 
misery and degradation — as such a marriage must en- 
tail — which were proposed to her. 

And I won^t ask you to marry me/’ the hard, rapid 
voice resumed, until I’ve fulfilled all my part of the 
contract, until you’ve seen that your uncle has got away 
safe and sound. I won’t ask anything more than that 
you let me tell people we’re engaged.” 

I cannot do it,” the white lips moaned at last. 

Oh, Mr. Robinson, have some pity in your heart, and 
do not ask me to marry you. I do not love you.” 

But I love you, and I reckon it amounts to the same 
thing. Besides you ’ll have a rich husband, and that’s 
about all most girls want these days.” 

I cannot marry you,” Mildred repeated, and she 
attempted once more to stand, but the room seemed to 
swim about her, and she sank again into her chair. 

You’d better not be too hasty about your answer. 
Miss Burchill ; for in case you decide not to marry me, 
I shall send at once to the proper authorities about 
Chester, and, as I told you before, I’ve got him so well 
spied that it ain’t possible for him to git away. And 
I want your answer before you leave this room. As I 
said before I won’t be in no hurry about the marriage. 
I’ll give you two or three months for fixings and the 
things girls like to bother about, but I must have my 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


335 


answer. I’ll give you a few moments to think on it.” 
He walked to the other end of the spacious room. 

To think on it,” as he had expressed it. On or of 
what could she think save the imprisonment and sorrow 
from which it was in her power to save her uncle ? 
Of her own promise to her dead mother to hesitate at 
no sacrifice which would befriend Horton, did she ever 
meet him? Of the happiness and new life which her 
assent to Robinson’s wish must bring to the poor con- 
vict ? But, on the other hand, what a picture of herself 
was presented ! The wife of a man whom she loathed ! 
It was too harrowing; and she covered her face with 
her hands and exclaimed, in the bitterness of her soul, 
God! My God!” 

The factory owner stood before her again: 

Got your answer ready. Miss Burchill ? ” 

She looked up, and his greenish eyes flaming down at 
her and his yellow tusks, just visible through his parted 
lips, inspired her with new disgust. But the sacrifice 
must be made if she would redeem her promise to the 
dead, if she would save the living. 

I consent,” she said, with a gasp. 

The red spots on his cheeks became redder, while his 
little eyes seemed fairly to blaze, and his whole manner 
became violently agitated. 

Then you will be my wife,” he said, his very voice 
shaking, and I may call you Mildred from this time ? 
Eh?” 


336 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


He bent to her, trying to put his arm about her. The 
undesired familiarity lent her new and sudden strength. 
She sprang from him as if he were some mad beast. 

Do not dare to touch me ! ” she cried. My con- 
sent to your cruel proposal has been wrung from me. 
Fulfil your part of the contract, and leave me undis- 
turbed to fulfil my part in sacrifice and anguish.” 

She had gone from the room leaving him surprised, 
somewhat discomfited, and more eager than ever to make 
her his wife that he might compel her to wifely love and 
obedience. She hastened to her room to pour out her 
grief in fruitless tears, and Cora, who, wondering at 
Miss Burchill’s absence, sought frequently to enter, 
was as often gently denied admission. 

Should she fiee to tell her uncle of her trial ? She felt 
that he would instantly give himself up in order to pre- 
vent her sacrifice. Should she tell Cora, impetuous, 
generous-hearted Cora ? She feared some outbreak 
there which might culminate fatally for her uncle’s 
prospects. Her thoughts turned to Thurston. But, 
even if she were not bound by her promise of conceal- 
ment to Horton, what good could Thurston effect in this 
case ? He might — indeed, probably he would — counsel 
her not to sacrifice herself ; but how could he help her ? 
He had neither the wealth nor the influence of Robinson, 
nor was he powerful enough to foil Robinson’s efforts 
for the recapture of the convict. Thus thinking, she 
wept and prayed by turns, interrupted only by the fre- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


337 


quent gentle knock and piteous voice of Cora begging to 
be admitted, never having been so long or so strangely 
excluded from Miss Burcbiirs room before. She bad 
become fretfully anxious, but all her efforts were met 
with the same gentle denial and request to be left alone 
for a little while. The governess could not see Cora in 
her present distracted state. At last a sealed letter was 
pushed under the door, and Cora’s voice sounded at the 
same time in accents at once tearful and petulant : 

Here is a letter from Mr. Thurston.” 

Mildred dragged herself from the bed, beside which 
she had been kneeling, and picked up the letter. She 
had taken no note of time in her anguish, and so pain- 
fully absorbed did she continue to be that she was 
rather surprised to find it had become evening. She 
made a light and broke open the letter, wondering curi- 
ously what could be the purport of its contents, but hav- 
ing no premonition of the renewed anguish which those 
contents were to cause her. The letter was a manly 
offering of Gerald’s heart and hand : 

I thought not to have made this proposal so soon. 
Miss Burchill,” the missive continued. Indeed, I 
had almost decided to wait some months yet in order to 
be very certain of your affection for me. As it is, I am 
not sure of all of your regard beyond what you would 
give to any friend, but I am certain of my own love for 
you, and that is so strong that it would not let me wait 

22 


338 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


longer. I love you, Mildred, — allow me to call you so 
this once, — for the virtues which I have observed in 
your character; above all, for that sweet, gentle charity 
with which woman is angelic, without which she is a 
blot upon the creation, and I long to have your gentle 
ministry about myself. I have suffered keenly in my 
life, so keenly that I cannot even now revert to those 
memories of the past without feeling again much of the 
bitterness of my first pangs. I loved once, Mildred, but 
my love was shattered in cruel duplicity and treachery. 
I thought never to love again, hut you have won me 
from my resolution; you have realized to me all my 
boyish dreams of woman’s true and tender character. 
Forgive, then, my precipitancy, and let me know my 
fate at once. Where my heart is engaged, my impetu- 
osity knows little control. Cora will bring me your 
reply. 

Yours in ardent expectation, 

Gerald Thurston.” 

Had she read aright, or was it not all a horrid dream ? 
Was so bitter a cup as this reserved for her ? and must 
she drink it ? 

O God, pity me ! ” she said, sinking upon her knees, 
and pressing again and again her parched lips to the let- 
ter. Thurston had long since won her deepest affection 
through the virtues which she had observed in him, but 
with true womanliness she had sought to conceal the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


339 


fact even from herself. ISTow, however, with his own 
manly proposal before her, the tide of resistless passion 
for a beloved object swept over her soul in a storm that 
would he neither calmed nor abated. It seemed as if 
her heart must break, and the burning tears which blis- 
tered the letter seemed to be wrung from her very soul. 

I cannot make this sacrifice,^’ she said to herself. 

At least I shall tell him all, and then he will know that 
I love him, and that I give him up only to save another.'^ 
But in answer to that soliloquy rose up sternly her 
promise to Horton to tell nothing about him to any one. 
And even did she obtain a release from that promise, 
what help could Thurston render in this case ? It 
would be impossible for him to foil now Kohinson^s de- 
signs in regard to the convict, — designs which, she felt, 
any withdrawal on her part from her contract with 
Eobinson would but render more desperate and mali- 
cious. And did she refuse to sacrifice herself, how could 
she be happy, even as the esteemed and beloved wife of 
Thurston, when every day of her future would he har- 
rowed by pictures of her uncle again in prison, separated 
from his child, treated with far greater severity than be- 
fore, and dying at last, perhaps, unattended and uncon- 
soled ? One of the family already had died in prison, — 
died for her ; must this one also when she could prevent 
it ? Ho, no ; despite her anguish, her heart rose up 
with its denial, and after all was it not better to sacri- 
fice the happiness of one when that sacrifice would bring 


340 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


joy to two ? Then her own life might not be a very long 
one. Its very wretchedness must shorten it, and God 
would recompense her. He who had sacrificed Himself 
for her would give her strength. Out of the last thought 
came an unexpected calm, and she was enabled to think 
more clearly than she had yet done. She was powerless 
to give any explanation to Thurston of her refusal of his 
offer, and did she tell him that she returned his love 
while she was forced to accept the hand of another, such 
a statement would only plunge him into dire unhappi- 
ness, and make some explanation from her absolutely 
necessary. There was no way for her but to make her 
sacrifice, horrible as it was, prompt and complete. And 
what if she were misunderstood, even contemned for her 
conduct by him whom she loved dearer than her own 
life ? God would know what she had done and suffered, 
and perhaps, sometime, in His own mysterious way. He 
would vindicate her character. With compressed lips 
that told of a determination which wears upon the very 
heart, she drew toward her writing materials and 
penned : 

Accept my sincere thanks for your kind and flatter- 
ing proposal. You have been and are my most esteemed 
friend, but I have promised to marry Mr. Kobinson. 

Yours very gratefully, 

Mildred Burchill.” 

The characters were so tremulous that they were 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


341 


scarcely legible, and she wrote them three times before 
she decided to send them. Then trying to keep her wild 
thoughts at bay, she sought Cora. The girl was dress- 
ing for dinner, but at sight of that pale, tear-stained face 
in the doorway, she left her toilet to rush into Miss 
BurchilFs arms. 

You have been sick,’’ she said, and you would not 
let me in to nurse you. And you are sick still, you look 
so frightfully pale. And you have been crying.” All 
this as Cora continued to strain the governess affection- 
ately to her. 

It is over now,” was the reply, and I shall be quite 
well to-morrow; and you won’t say anything about my 
sick appearance to anybody, will you ? ” 

May not I just tell Mr. Thurston ? He always 
seems so interested in everything that concerns you.” 

Hot even him ; but you may give him this answer to 
his letter, please.” 

Cora took the note, insisting that as Miss Burchill had 
shut herself from sight so long, she must now remain 
with her until it was time for her to descend; and as 
Mildred could not reasonably refuse, she did so, averting 
her face, however, as often as she found the girl 
anxiously watching her. 

Cora gave Gerald the note, and left him to its perusal 
while she went into dinner. He followed, just as Kob- 
inson, tired of waiting, was about to send for him. His 
face since his father’s death wore always a grave ex- 


342 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


pression, but now there was a painfully compressed look 
about the mouth and a preoccupied expression of the eyes 
that instantly attracted Eobinson^s attention. 

Anything the matter, Gerald ? ’’ he asked. You 
look blue, and I want you in your best spirits to-night ; 
I want your congratulations on my engagement with 
Miss Burchill.’’ 

There was a sound nearly approaching a scream from 
Cora, as she let fall the spoonful of soup which she had 
been carrying to her mouth, and stared across at her 
uncle as if she thought he had gone suddenly mad. 

There was a firmer compression still of Gerald’s lips, 
but that was all the sign he gave. 

Cora had found her voice, and with her usual lack of 
regard in excitement, she said, impetuously. 

Miss Burchill going to marry you, uncle ! I can’t 
believe it, for I don’t think she likes you well enough to 
marry you.” 

Eobinson’s cheeks began to glow. 

It ain’t likely,” he said, with a frowning glance at 
his niece, that Miss Burchill made you the keeper of 
her feelings ; she’s promised to marry me, and that’s all 
there’s about it.” 

The girl felt that any further remark of hers would 
not be tolerated, so she was silent, but her appetite for 
dinner had quite gone. She could not help thinking of 
Miss Burchill’s strange seclusion all day, her sorrow- 
stricken and ill appearance when at last she showed her- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


343 


self, and she felt that all was connected in some way 
with that which her uncle announced. She longed to 
rush to Mildred to ask her about the matter, hut she 
feared her uncle’s displeasure if she left the table now 
at the beginning of the meal, and as a relief to her own 
tormenting thoughts, she watched Thurston’s face, won- 
dering how the news affected him. She had intelligence 
enough to construe the expression about his mouth and 
the look in his eyes into signs of dissatisfaction, if not 
of positive pain, at the news ; but to Kobinson’s repeated 
wish for congratulations on his engagement, he answered 
calmly enough: 

Contracts to marry are not always felicitous enough 
to warrant congratulations. Better defer the congratu- 
lations until after marriage,” a reply that brought upon 
the speaker one of Robinson’s sharpest looks. But Gerald 
was bending to his plate, and the factory owner 
evidently thought it best not to refer again to the 
subject. 

The dinner was over at last, and Cora, without wait- 
ing as she usually did until her uncle and Gerald ad- 
journed to another room for cigars, hurried immediately 
from the table. Both men noticed her precipitate de- 
parture, for both continued to look in her direction even 
after she had vanished, but neither made any outward 
comment upon it. Possibly both divined the cause of 
her hasty exit, but it had too close and too important a 
connection with that which was uppermost in their 


344 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


own thoughts to bear outward touching upon. She 
fled to Miss BurchilFs room; the latter was not locked 
against her, as it had been during the day, and Miss 
Burchill herself was sitting calmly enough by a window, 
apparently looking at the clear starlit night. Cora 
rushed to her, hardly waiting to reach her before she 
burst out, panting and breathless: 

Are you going to marry uncle ? ’’ 

Did he tell you so ? was the quivering reply. 

Yes, he announced it at the table.” 

So soon ? ” Miss Burchill muttered bitterly to her- 
self, while she averted her face, but she answered: 

It is true. I have promised to marry him.” 

Cora was silent. Amazement, sorrow, and a momen- 
tary distrust of Miss Burchill herself were struggling 
in her mind, the latter feeling somewhat increased 
by the persistent effort of the governess to keep her face 
averted. But she must speak at length ; she must know 
if Miss BurchilFs own intended act was consistent with 
the theories of truth and right doing which she so con- 
stantly advanced, and she asked in tremulous tones and 
with a feeling of suffocation which caused the averted 
head to turn quickly and the pale face to become 
suffused : 

Do you love my uncle enough to marry him ? ” 
The governess seemed to divine much of what was 
passing in the somewhat prematurely matured young 
mind beside her, and she knew what influences must go 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


345 


out from her answer ; so forcing herself to look steadily 
into the bright, deep eyes fixed with an earnest and won- 
dering sadness upon her own, she replied, with what 
calmness she could assume : 

I must refuse to answer your question, nor can I 
say more to you than that I have promised to marry your 
uncle from a sense of duty.” 

From a sense of duty ! ” Vague words to the puz- 
zled listener. What duty, according to Miss BurchilPs 
own comments on the subject when it had occasionally 
come up in their lighter reading, could or should make 
a w^oman give her hand where her heart could not ac- 
company it ? And though the governess had always 
spoken in most respectful terms of Mr. Hobinson, and 
when in his presence had treated him with extreme 
courtesy, still it required but little discrimination on 
Corals part to feel that, with all, the factory owner 
never really possessed Miss Burchilks liking or esteem. 
She burned to tell this now, and to ask what duty could 
justify the proposed step, but she felt that her question 
would not be answered. 

Miss Burchill seemed very tired, indeed, ill, if one 
might judge by her pale face and heavy eyes; and as 
Cora watched her she became filled with sudden remorse 
for her momentary distrust. The duty said to be in 
the case was plainly a very painful one, judging from 
all the circumstances, — the seclusion of the governess 
during the day, her appearance when she came from her 


346 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


room, and her look and manner now, — and the girl could 
hear her sad and perplexed thoughts no longer. She 
threw herself on Mildred’s neck, saying between bursts 
of tears : 

Oh, Miss Burchill ! I cannot understand it, and I 
cannot help feeling sorry for you. I thought you liked 
Mr. Thurston, and I know he liked you, and I am so dis- 
appointed.” 

The aching heart of Mildred echoed it all, but her 
brave soul would not flinch from the cross she had de- 
cided to accept. 

You are acting childishly,” she said, with an as- 
sumption of sternness which she was far from feeling, 

and if you continue to do so I shall be very much dis- 
pleased. You forget that when one does one’s duty 
happiness is sure to follow some time.” 

Her words had the desired effect ; the girl dried her 
tears, and then, as the sound of a clock striking the 
hour reached her, she started: 

It is time for my visit to uncle.” 

She rose hastily, but instead of leaving the room she 
stood in a troubled, uncertain way, as if she wished to 
say something further, but was deterred by some 
impulse. 

Why do you not go ? ” asked Miss Burchill, anxious 
to be alone. At which Cora stooped again, and kissing 
her, hurried away. 

The two men had adjourned for their cigars; but 



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REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


34r 


while Kobinson selected one and lit it, Gerald, without 
touching any, seemed to wait for an opportunity to 
speak. 

Not sworn agin smoking, be you ? ’’ said Robinson, 
noticing the young man’s abstinence, and puffing away 
himself with every evidence of complete self-satisfac- 
tion. 

No ; but I want to talk on business matters for a few 
moments. You intend I believe, to retire from the 
factory very soon ? ” 

Robinson, in a good deal of wonder, took the cigar 
from his mouth. 

Rooty soon,” he answered ; hut there’ll be time 
enough to talk about that after my marriage.” 

No, there won’t, Mr. Robinson, for I am going 
away. I intend to resign from the factory altogether.” 

Eh ! what ? ” and the factory owner’s eyes twinkled 
at Gerald like little greenish crystals set in yellow 
parchment. What do you mean ? I thought you was 
going to take the business. I calculated on your doing 
so.” 

Well, I’ve changed my mind. I have made suffi- 
cient money to lay off for a year or two and travel. 
After that I can find some field for my business abili- 
ties, and as you are going to retire, my leaving cannot 
make much difference. So I should like all accounts 
settled to-morrow. I want to go away to-morrow 
night.” 


348 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


A sudden light seemed to break on Robinson’s mind. 
He went over to Gerald, and grasped the latter’s arm : 

Hot cut up about mj intended marriage, be you ? 
Maybe you was sweet on Miss Burcbill yourself, and 
feel pooty bad at losin’ her ? ” 

Gerald had swung himself free from the grasp upon 
his arm, and drew himself erect with that dignity 
which was so natural to him, and that never failed to 
awe any one upon whom he exerted it, while he an- 
swered : 

Your language, Mr. Robinson, is very unseemly ; I 
can neither answer it nor listen to it.” 

Well, there ain’t no use in being so tichy,” said the 
factory owner, testily. And you’d better not be so 
hasty, neither, — the factory’s doing a pooty nice busi- 
ness, — such a business as I reckon you won’t git the 
chance of agin.” 

My decision is made,” said Gerald firmly, and T 
shall expect to settle all accounts to-morrow. Good- 
night!” 

He went from the room leaving Robinson astonished, 
vexed, and disappointed. He soliloquized, as he relit 
his cigar; 

With all his high speeches about my unseemly lan- 
guage, the fact is he’s jist cut up about Miss Burcbill 
having me. Well, I’m glad on’t. I’ve got her in a 
tight place, and I guess I can reckon on her pooty sure. 
That handsome, devilish little widow will be cut up 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


349 


when she hears Gerald’s gone for good. Arter all, he 
might have stayed; I wanted him at the wedding. 
Well, as long as I’ve got Mildred, I don’t care. She’ll 
have to take her turn with the spooks, as I do.” 

He laughed aloud as he said the last words, a laugh 
that even to himself sounded so strange he shuddered 
slightly, then he looked at the clock in some trepida- 
tion lest the hour already had arrived in which he was 
subjected to the terror that not alone produced so visible 
an effect upon himself, but which struck fear to the 
heart of any one else who might be present. 


CHAPTEE XXXVIL 


Mildred, though feeling strangely fatigued, vainly 
courted sleep that night. She had not retired early, 
expecting that Cora, according to her wont, would come 
immediately to her, on leaving her uncle; but the girl 
had gone to her own room, at which Miss Burchill was 
surprised, and yet relieved. 

Xow, as an hour after midnight, she tossed on her 
pillow, seeking some more comfortable position for her 
throbbing temples, she fancied she heard the sound of 
sobbing from her pupil’s room. In a few minutes she 
was convinced of it. She rose hastily, and snatching up 
her morning dress, put it on as she passed into Cora’s 
chamber. She entered so lightly that the girl, face 
prone on the bed as if she were trying to smother the 
sound of her woe, did not hear her, and the governess 
bent over her and watched her for a second without 
speaking. She seemed to be convulsed with grief, for 
her whole form shook in such a manner that it made the 
bed tremble. 

What is the matter ? ” asked Mildred softly. 

The girl started up, and flinging her arms about Miss 

350 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


351 


BurchilFs neck, strained the latter to her long and 
passionately. 

It’s about you,” she said ; it’s something I wanted 
to tell you to-night before I went to uncle; it’s some- 
thing I felt I ought to tell you when I came from him, 
but I could not. That is the reason I did not go to your 
room when I came upstairs; but oh, if you knew how 
much I have suffered, lying here and thinking about it 
all.” 

Well, tell it to me now,” said Miss Burchill, quietly, 
though secretly she was almost as much agitated as 
Cora. 

Still the girl hesitated, and she resumed her embrace 
of the governess, as if by that means she fain would put 
off her answer. But Mildred would not be put off, and, 
while she gently unwound the clinging arms, she insisted 
on an answer. 

My uncle sees spooks, as he calls them,” the girl 
burst out, as if, did she not plunge at once into the sub- 
ject of her communication, she would be unable to make 
it at all. He sees them every evening, and he said to- 
night, when he came out of his fright, that he’d be 
mighty glad when he was married, for then you’d have 
to take your turn with them. He didn’t mean to say 
that to me, for he tried to take it back a minute after,, 
and he laughed and said what he always does about his 
nerves. He was afraid I suppose, that I’d tell you. 
But I kept thinking about it, Miss Burchill, and about 


352 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


the strange way he gets into every evening when I’m 
with him, and I got thinking about you and what you 
said of marrying him from a sense of duty, and it 
seemed to be my duty to tell you all this ; and then again 
it seemed to be better not to tell you, for if it were your 
duty to marry my uncle, why should I make your duty 
hard to perform by telling you this about him ? I have 
never told you of the strange way he gets into every 
night, because I felt somehow that, as he was my uncle 
and good and kind to me, it would be mean and dishon- 
orable on my part to tell anything about him which I 
alone saw, and that perhaps was a secret to everybody 
else. Then, too, he did not tell me the real cause of his 
acting so strangely every night, and I, though at first 
awfully frightened myself, believed what he told me 
about his being nervous and all that. But to-night he 
got into a more dreadful state than I ever saw him 
before, and he said something in his terror that made me 
know it all. I was so frightened. Miss Burchill, that I 
thought I should have fainted, and I expected to see the 
spook myself, but I didn’t. I only saw uncle, though he 
looked bad enough to do for a spook.” 

When I left him I wanted to rush right to your 
room to tell you all, but as I said before, something 
seemed to prevent me, and I came in here and just 
threw myself on the bed and hid my face lest I too 
should see something awful. I didn’t even dare to put 
out the light. And then, as I lay here, I thought of you 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


353 


married to uncle, and perhaps having to see what he saw, 
and I got nearly frantic. Do you understand it now, 
Miss Burchill ? and have I done wrong ? ’’ 

She lay back partially exhausted by her violent emo- 
tions. Mildred, agitated as she was by this weird ac- 
count, was so deeply touched by the proof which it af- 
forded of her pupil’s generous forbearance in her own 
behalf, that it strengthened her decision to sacrifice her- 
self ; and as she looked do^vn at the flushed young face, 
and thought of the happiness it was in her power to 
bestow on its owner, every abhorrence and fear of her 
proposed marriage seemed to fly for an instant, but it 
was only for an instant, for all came back, even as she 
answered : 

As there was no promise binding you to secrecy, 
you have not done wrong to tell me about your uncle, 
and you need not fear for me with regard to what Mr. 
Robinson imagines he sees. It is but imagination, pro- 
duced, I have no doubt, by the state of his nervous sys- 
tem. That which surprises me most is your silly fear. 
Surely, in such an enlightened age as this is, a girl of 
your years must confess to secret shame at such childish- 
ness. How I shall beg you to go to sleep and think no 
more of this, and I shall put out the light.” 

Her decided manner produced, as it always did, the 
desired effect on Cora. She offered not a single remon- 
strance, and the governess, having extinguished the 
light, went to her own room, 

23 


CHAPTEE XXXVIIL 


Kodney in his office, diving amid a mass of papers, 
with a corrugated brow and absorbed manner, was 
aroused from his occupation by the announcement of 
Thurston^s name, the announcement being immediately 
followed by the young man’s presence. 

Why Gerald, my boy, what on earth brings you on 
here now? Thought this was your busiest season? 
Anything the matter ? ” noticing the peculiar expression 
about the young man’s mouth, which the lawyer had 
seen on other occasions, and which he knew so well how 
to interpret. 

I have given up my place at the factory, and I am 
going to travel for a year or two.” 

Eodney in his surprise, seemed to suspend for a 
moment the twinkling of his little sharp eyes. 

You don’t tell me so ! ” he exclaimed. Well, this 
is a world of surprises. I thought you held a life tenure 
there, and what’s more, I was hoping that pretty, modest 
governess would have made you forget the treachery of 
that devilish little stepmother of yours.” 

That pretty, modest governess,” repeated Gerald, 
with some bitterness, is the affianced of Mr. Eobinson.” 
364 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


355 


What ! ’’ and Rodney sprang from his chair, and 
with his quill behind his ear and his mouth wide open, 
stood looking the picture of ludicrous amazement. But 
Gerald made no answer to the exclamation. He only 
stood with folded arms looking down at the floor. 

Then other emotions than surprise roused in Rodney^s 
mind. He pitied, acutely pitied, this poor young man, 
doomed a second time to be the victim of disappointed 
affection, for, from the time he had seen Miss Burchill 
and had heard Gerald speak of her, he felt that the 
young fellow was fast learning to love the governess. 
He went up to Gerald, and putting his hand on his 
arm, said softly: 

Gerald, I pity you from my soul. But how did 
such a thing come about ? Was there anything to lead 
you to suspect that Miss Burchill liked Mr. Robinson, 
that 

i^othing,” interrupted Gerald, impetuously, — 
more, indeed, to make me think the contrary ; and the 
first intimation which I received of her engagement was 
her answer to my own proposal of marriage to her. 
She stated that she had already promised to marry Mr. 
Robinson. Then at dinner that same evening he an- 
nounced the engagement. But, good God ! Rodney ; what 
has she — such as she seemed to me to be — in common 
with a man like Robinson, or are women all deceivers ? 
Can they wear masks at will, and go about with hearts 
like whited sepulchres? It sickened me, Rodney, and 


356 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


I felt as if I could not draw another easy breath in East- 
bury. How I wish I had never seen the place ! ’’ 

He averted his face for a moment, as if even from the 
lawyer he would conceal the agony which distorted his 
features. But Kodney would say another word in de- 
fence of Miss Burchill, whose gentle, unassuming man- 
ners had quite won him : 

You delayed your proposal too long, Gerald. How 
do you know what circumstances were brought to bear 
upon Miss Burchilhs acceptance of this man^s offer, — 
her poverty, perhaps ? ” 

Honsense,’’ said Gerald. She had promised to 
consider me her friend, to apply to me in any need. Ho, 
there is no use in talking about the matter now. Miss 
Burchill has made her choice, and in doing so, she has 
given my heart a wrench such as I thought never would 
be given to it again, hut I shall live through it.” He 
strove to laugh, but the sound died in his throat. 

Yes, you will live through it,” said Bodney, as- 
suringly ; and one day, Gerald, you will meet the 
woman designed by heaven to bless and comfort you.” 

Hever ! ” said Thurston, through his set teeth ; and 
then to end a theme on which he could not converse 
patiently, he began to talk of his future plans. 

Kodney, however, would revert to the subject: 

Did you have any parting interview with Miss 
Burchill?” 

Ho; I saw neither her nor any one else. I parted 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


357 

witli Hobinson in the factory. I did not even say 
good-by to the hands.’’ 

Umph ! ” ejaculated Rodney. Pretty sudden 
business they must all think it. Well, perhaps it’s all 
for the best, though I confess to a secret wish that you 
had stayed. I don’t know why, Gerald, but I have a 
queer feeling about Miss Burchill’s engagement to Rob- 
inson; the more I think of her and the character she 
seemed to evince, the more I feel that there is coercion 
in some way.” 

Pshaw ! ” said Gerald, and then he turned away as 
if he would leave the office were the discussion not dis- 
continued. 

Well, what are your plans ? ” asked Rodney, willing 
at length to drop Miss Burchill. 

I have not matured them yet, further than to go 
abroad; to London immediately. I have decided to 
spend at least two years in travel.” 

The best thing, Gerald, perhaps, under the circum- 
stances, and you will come back with that manly spirit 
of yours quite restored. But when do you start ? ” 

To-morrow. I have engaged my passage, and I 
have only waited thus long to see you before I went.” 

But you will let me hear from you ; ” said Rodney, 
with so much solicitude in his tones that Gerald laughed, 
though he was also touched by the evidence of the little 
lawyer’s regard. 

Oh, yes,’^ he answered; You shall have at least a 


358 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


line every few weeks, and in any case my bankers, 
Cramer & Co., will know where to find me.’’ He turned 
again to depart, promising, however, to come back and 
spend the night with Kodney. 

Immediately after Robinson had received Gerald’s 
farewell in the factory, a ceremony which on Gerald’s 
part comprised only the simplest words of adieu, and on 
Robinson’s a somewhat constrained invitation to visit 
The Castle when he would, the factory owner repaired 
to his home and summoned Mildred. She obeyed im- 
mediately, anxious to have at once a communication the 
import of which her heart assured her would be — at 
least, in some measure — painful. 

As she entered the wide hall leading to the study she 
came plump upon Mrs. Phillips entering by one of the 
numerous doors which led out to the broad piazza. The 
widow seemed as much surprised at the rencontre as the 
governess, and she drew back with a little real start, 
while the delicate flush in her cheeks deepened ; but she 
recovered her self-possession in an instant, and, with an 
effrontery as daring as it was graceful, advanced to 
Mildred, saying: 

Have I to thank Providence or accident. Miss Bur- 
chill, for this meeting ? My heart has so yearned to see 
you, assuring me as it did that, if I could but speak to 
you, you would reconsider your determination of not 
permitting me to visit you any more. If you could but 
know how I have suffered, how I deplore the defects in 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


359 


my character which, I doubt not, have been the cause of 
such a resolution on your part.” 

And with head bent and eyes cast down she presented 
a most perfect picture of engaging humility and diffi- 
dence. 

I not permit you to visit me any more ! ” repeated 
Mildred, too much surprised to be much impressed by 
the widow’s air. I am not aware of any such deter- 
mination on my part, and I do not understand you.” 

It was Mrs. Phillips’ turn to be surprised, and she 
was in a secret rage as well ; her jealousy knew no 
bounds that Thurston had taken so warm an interest in 
Miss Burchill as to send upon his own responsibility the 
note which requested the discontinuance of her visits. 
She was also angry with herself for having spoken in 
such a manner, since Mildred was not aware of the send- 
ing of the note. But feeling the instant necessity of 
withdrawing from the position she had assumed, and 
not willing for a moment to give Miss Burchill the 
gratification of knowing Thurston’s interest in her be- 
half, she took shelter, as she always did on such 
occasions, in a subterfuge: 

Dear Miss Burchill, I was led to think you had 
formed such a determination from chance words dropped 
by Mr. Kobinson; but only assure me now that I am 
mistaken and that you will receive me again, and I shall 
be so happy.” 

She extended her hands as she spoke, but Mildred did 


360 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


not take them. Instead she involuntarily recoiled, 
while she answered : 

I do not know upon what grounds Mr. Robinson 
could assert that I had formed such a determination. 
But since you now ask me to receive your visits again, I 
must decline to do so, Mrs. Phillips. I feel that we 
never could be heart friends, and life is too short to 
spend any portion of it in company which we neither 
benefit nor are benefited by. You have no possible need 
of me, Mrs. Phillips. Had you such need, and were it 
in my power to help you, then gladly would I do so, or 
should I in the future be able to help you in any way, 
I shall most cheerfully do so. Por the present I wish 
you every good, but I must decline all intimacy. Mr. 
Robinson, I believe, is waiting for me.” 

She bowed slightly, and was hurrying through the 
hall before Mrs. Phillips had recovered from the first 
glow of anger, hate, and mortification into which the last 
speech had thrown her. 

Robinson was somewhat impatiently waiting, and 
Mildred explained that her detention was owing to Mrs. 
Phillips, adding also Mrs. Phillips’ communication to 
herself with regard to the factory owner. He laughed 
until his yellow tusks showed like fangs. 

Mrs. Phillips is a deep un,” he said. She didn’t 
tell you that Gerald wrote to her asking her not to keep 
up her visits to you ; at least, I take it he wrote to her, 
because he told me he was going to. He’d been sort of 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


361 


watchin’ you two, I reckon, and he thought her visits 
wan’t very agreeable to you.” 

Mildred sickened for an instant. Was the sacrifice 
to which she had pledged herself to be made more bitter 
by meeting new proofs of Gerald’s regard for her ? 

But I don’t want to take up the time talking about 
her now,” resumed the factory owner. I sent for you 
to talk about Chester. Gerald’s left the factory; gone 
for good.” 

He paused as if to note the effect of his announcement, 
and he fancied that pale as his listener was already, she 
became still paler, which fact gave a malicious motive to 
his next words. He would wring her heart if he could, 
since its preference was not for himself. With this ob- 
ject in view, he detailed every circumstance of Ger- 
ald’s departure with such length and minuteness that 
Mildred felt like begging him to stop. But she braced 
herself with a strength of which he little dreamed, not 
even flinching when the greenish eyes were fixed most 
firmly and significantly upon her face : 

I guess The Castle has seen the last of Gerald. 
He couldn’t tell where he was going, more than he’d 
made up his mind to travel, and he’s withdrawn all his 
connections with the factory. He didn’t care to say 
good-by to anybody, which I reckon is a little strange, 
being as you’re here and knowed him so long. But 
Gerald’s queer at times ; I reckon he never got over all 
that excitement about his father’s death.” 


362 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


He paused again as if he expected some question, but 
his listener remained mute. 

'^Well, now we’ll come to Chester. Being as Ger- 
ald’s gone, and being as I intend to give up the factory 
pooty soon, and as the search arter Chester ain’t in no 
way a-getting down here, I’ve been a-thinking of putting 
him in Gerald’s place in the factory. Of course he 
can’t fill the place right away, but I can teach him, so 
he won’t be long out of it. Then Chester’s got smart 
business ways. I knowed that of old, and I reckon 
Eastbury’s about the safest place for him. Everybody 
knows that there wan’t the kindest feelings between us, 
and they’d never suspect me of sheltering him. He can 
keep up the name he goes under now at Hogan’s, and if 
he’s known as a friend of yours, why no harm can come 
of it. He can live here at The Castle, and if he don’t 
want to make himself known to Cora, why nobody ’ll 
tell on him. Now, if he’s willing to come to these 
terms, why I am his man, and I swear to Moses that 
I’ll stand by him, and that he’ll never be arrested in my 
house, nor in the factory either. What do you say to 
the plan. Miss Burchill ? ” 

She could not reply that it found no favor with her, 
for there were two advantages to give it special recom- 
mendation: the one, that Cora to whom she was so 
warmly attached, and whose affection the consumma- 
tion of her sacrifice would render more necessary to her 
than ever, would not he separated from her; the other, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


363 


that in the event of any future adverse fate overtaking 
Horton, she could he indeed a mother and protector to 
his daughter. Robinson seemed to augur favorably 
for his scheme from her hesitation to answer, and he 
waited as if to give her ample opportunity for delibera- 
tion. She said, at length : 

I shall not conceal from you, Mr. Robinson, that 
the prospect of having my uncle live with me is a very 
pleasant one; particularly so since it assures to me no 
separation from Cora, and were I certain that he would 
incur no further risk of re-arrest by accepting your offer 
than by fleeing to some retired spot abroad, I should beg 
him to agree to your proposal.” 

Why the case is jist this,” warmly answered the 
factory owner, who was bent on the plan because he 
thought it would involve the least delay of his marriage. 

The track that the detectives are arter is all wrong. I 
ain’t been squandering the time since you promised to 
marry me; I’ve jist been posting myself on all the 
doings about Chester, and I tell you. Miss Burchill, that 
I don’t think there’s a spot in the hull world where he’d 
be safer than living here and seeing to things at the fac- 
tory ; and then I’ll always keep posted, and the minute I 
git wind of any suspicion being turned down here I’ll 
ship him off like lightning. I’ve got money and influ- 
ence, and I’ll use ’em both. Are you satisfled ? ” 

Yes, so far as I am concerned ; but I must consult 
him.” 


364 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Oh certainly. I calculated that you’d do that, and 
IVe wrote it all out in a letter that I want you to give 
him. He’ll be mighty surprised, considering the way 
we used to meet and part long ago; but when he hears 
you’re going to be my wife, maybe he won’t wonder so 
much.” 

He took an unsealed letter from his pocket as he 
spoke, and placed it in her hand. 

I want his answer as soon as possible. Can’t you 
go to see him now ? ” 

Yes, if you wish it.” 

She turned to depart, but he was speaking again : 
There’s another thing. Miss Burchill — ” He hesi- 
tated, as if doubtful how to make this further communi- 
cation. She waited, not even helping his hesitation by 
a question. Do you intend to tell Chester how it was 
that you came to give your consent to marry me ? ” 

Scorn, which she could not repress, flashed into her 
face and marked her tones as she answered: 

I shall not tell him, Mr. Robinson ; for I feel that 
if I did, rather than allow me to sacriflce myself for 
him, he would voluntarily and immediately give him- 
self up to justice.” 

The factory owner was secretly relieved; that had 
been also his unpleasant conviction. 

Again she turned to leave the room. He called her, 
and by her Christian name. It sounded so unfamiliar 
pronounced by his lips, that it gave her a sort of shock ; 
she stopped suddenly and turned to him. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


365 


Don’t look so skeered,” he said, approaching her. 

I ain’t going to harm you. I only want you to he a 
little cheery like, just show that you’ll try to love me a 
little.” 

Love you ! ” she said, recoiling from him, wLile 
even the faint trace of color in her lips fled. I thought 
you understood the terms of my contract with you. I 
promised you no love, and I consented to marry you 
only to save my uncle. I neither love you now, Mr. 
Robinson, nor shall I ever be able to love you. My 
duty as your wife, when I have become such, I shall 
try to perform. More I do not promise, nor have you 
any right to claim. Had you a heart you would not 
have used your knowledge of my uncle’s escape in such 
a way as to demand from me the sacrifice which you do. 
And now ” — she drew herself up with an air before 
which Robinson involuntarily quailed — I must insist 
that until the marriage takes place you will never again 
allude to the subject of affection between us.” She 
walked calmly by him, and out into the hall, closing th(3 
door gently behind her. 

Methusala ! ” exclaimed Robinson. She’s as 
tichy as Gerald; but wait till the marriage takes place, 
as she says, and won’t I crush that proud spirit of 
her’n ? Yes, she’ll take her turn with you^^^ shaking his 
fist at the corner of the room at which he always gazed 
when subjected to his nightly terror. 

He was interrupted by. a knock at the door, and 


366 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


immediately after Mrs. Phillips thrust in her bright 
face: 

Won’t you come to one of the parlors, Mr. Hobin- 
son ? You know I’ve not been in here since the evening 
you gave me such a fright, and I really am afraid to 
enter now.” 

!Yonsense,” said Eobinson going to the door, and 
flinging it back. ITothing to be afeared of now ; it 
ain’t the hour for me to have my spells. I never have 
them when the sun is shining.” 

Thus assured, she entered and seated herself where an 
opening in the heavy winter curtains disclosed a view 
of the grounds. Eobinson took a chair in front of her. 
Though with all her beauty she had not made the con- 
quest of his heart which Mildred, all unknown to and 
undesired by herself, had done, there was to his coarse, 
sensuous nature an intense pleasure in watching the play 
of Mrs. Phillips’ exquisite features, and he fastened his 
eyes upon her in a way which disquieted for the moment 
even her brazen indifference. 

What’s the news ? ” he asked, 

I have come for yours,” she answered, with her 
little silvery laugh. I thought to keep away from 
The Castle, — for some time, at least, — ^but my impa- 
tience to know how your suit was progressing with Miss 
Burchill would not let me rest.” 

Oh, as to that, it’s famous,” he replied, with a 
chuckle; and then he detailed his plan for Chester 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 367 

Horton, keeping back, however, that Gerald had left. 

She clapped her hands with delight : 

How splendid ! And Mildred will really marry you, 
and then, dear Mr. Robinson, will you allow me to come 
to The Castle even if your wife does not wish me to 
come ? 

A look from which even Helen shrank came into his 
face as he answered, My wife shall do jist as I 
want her to do, for I shall be her master,’’ and he 
chuckled again, — a little low, vicious chuckle that Helen 
seemed to hear even after it had ceased. 

And does Gerald know that Mildred is going to 
marry you ? and what did he say about it ? ” 

The factory owner did not chuckle this time, he 
laughed, — laughed till the very gums over his yellow 
tusks were visible. Anticipation of the wrench he felt 
his reply would give to Mrs. Phillips’ heart caused his 
mirth, for the agony of the widow would be a sort of 
balm to his own wounded vanity at the rejection of his 
love by Mildred: 

I guess Gerald was a good deal cut up by Miss 
Burchill’s engagement to me, for right away that he 
heard it he gave up all connection with the factory, and 
next day he went away for good.” 

For good ! ” She gasped the words, while the color 
died out of her face. 

Yes ; couldn’t tell even where he was bound for, 
more than he was going to travel, and he went off in a 


368 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


mighty hurry. But Methusala ! Mrs. Phillips ; you 
needn’t be cut up about his going.” 

Oh, Mr. Kobinson, he was my stepson, you know, 
and I had hoped to be always near him.” She broke 
down into real tears. 

Well, I reckon you’d better take somebody else to 
your heart. Look out for a husband, Mrs. Phillips, and 
let your stepson go. He’d never have cared for yow.” 

The tone of the last words made her dry her eyes and 
summon her pride to her aid. It stung her to be told by 
such a creature as Kobinson, of Gerald’s lack of regard 
for her. 

I am so emotional,” she said, readily assuming her 
pretty air of childish dependence, and I give my 
affections for duty’s sake.” 

At which praiseworthy speech the factory owner ele- 
vated his eyebrows a little and smiled cynically. 

Then you assure me,” she continued, rising to 
depart, that I shall be permitted to visit The Castle 
after your marriage ? ” 

Hot a doubt on that,” he answered. I shall be 
master.” 

At the door to which he accompanied her, she paused 
to ask something which seemed to have come suddenly 
to her mind: 

Did Miss Burchill question how you obtained all 
the knowledge you have of Mr. Horton’s whereabouts ? 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


369 


Do you think she might have any suspicion that I had 
aught to do with it ? ’’ 

She has asked nothing about it,” was the reply. 

I reckon she thought if she asked that I wouldn’t tell, 
and so she jist kept whatever suspicions she might have 
to herself. But as for thinking you^d have done such a 
thing as open a sealed letter, I could swear that Miss 
Burchill would as soon think you’d burn yourself. She 
ain’t like you, Mrs. Phillips, and she don’t know the 
things that some people can do.” At which words Mrs. 
Phillips winced, and felt her heart swell with more 
malicious rage than ever against Mildred. 

24 


CHAPTEK XXXIX. 


Robeet Wiley with his quiet simple ways, his appar- 
ently thorough enjoyment of the company of Mrs. 
Hogan’s little ones, and his tact and sympathy in all 
discussions with honest, impetuous, warm-hearted Dick, 
had gone quite into the hearts of the simple couple, and 
both were equally determined on making him, if pos- 
sible, consent to remain with them. 

They implicitly believed the brief account he had 
given of himself, and were utterly unsuspicious, even 
when his fears, which he could not always control, be- 
trayed him into sudden starts and haunted expressions. 
To the other neighbors he had nothing to say, further 
than a simple salutation when he met them, and the 
fact that he was a friend of Miss Burchill — which fact 
Mrs. Hogan had thought it her duty to tell — disposed 
them all to regard him with kindly interest, and to be 
equally unsuspicious of any of his antecedents. Hogan 
had already spoken for him at the shop, and had secured 
a promise of speedy employment, which Wiley had 
decided to accept. He could not tear himself from the 
vicinity of his child, now that he had seen her, and in 
all her budding, girlish loveliness. His heart was torn 
by its yearning for her, and he felt that he would risk 
death itself rather than be separated from her by a 
370 


llEAPiNG THE WHIRLWIND. 


371 


greater distance. It was while he was filled with such 
thoughts as these that Mildred came to him with her 
note from Robinson. 

* Oh, Miss Burchill, we^re right glad to see you,^^ 
said Mrs. Hogan warmly. Sure Dick last night got 
the promise of work in a day or two for Mr. Wiley, and 
Mr. Wiley seems so glad and thankful himself about it. 
Ifil take you right in to him,’’ and she led the way to 
the room which had been given up to the stranger. 

Wiley met her with a smile that seemed to bring to 
his face the ingenuous expression it wore in her picture 
of him. 

Tell me,” he said, when she had seated herself, 

what did Cora think about me the other day ? She ran 
after me to give me money. O God ! it was the hardest 
struggle I ever had to refrain from discovering myself 
to her.” 

She had a very singular feeling about the way you 
looked at her,” replied Mildred, and she thought you 
were in need, perhaps. But read this before we talk 
further.” 

He unfolded the unsealed letter she gave him. He 
read it, his face growing pale and red by turns, and his 
hands sometimes trembling so that the letter shook in 
his grasp. 

How did he discover all that he knows about me ? ” 
he asked, looking anxiously, and for a moment, suspi- 
ciously at Mildred. 


372 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


I^ever for a moment thinking that he could suspect 
her of betraying him, she met his look confidently as 
she answered: 

I do not know. The first intimation of his knowl- 
edge which I received was from his own lips.’’ 

Her answer, her look, convinced him that he had 
wronged her. He leaned his head on his hand for a 
moment and appeared to be in deep thought. When he 
raised it even his features were agitated. 

What sort of a person is the lady who delivered 
my note to you ? ” 

Lady ? Ho lady gave it to me. I received it from 
Mr. Thurston.” 

Wiley rose from his chair: 

I gave it to a Mrs. Phillips for you. Mrs. Hogan 
suggested that, as she would not enter Kobinson’s place, 
Mrs. Phillips would take it, saying Mrs. Phillips was 
a frequent visitor at The Castle, and a good friend of 
yours.” 

She is, or used to be a frequent visitor at The 
Castle, but she is not a friend of mine,” and Mildred 
grew pale with the thoughts, which rushed to her mind. 

What is her character ? ” demanded Wiley. Is 
she a friend of Kobinson’s ? Would her curiosity lead 
her to tamper with that letter in any way before it 
reached you ? ” 

She could not, she would not, be so base,” was the 
quivering reply. I shall not believe such a thing of 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 373 

her. Mr. Robinson must bave gotten bis information in 
some other way.^’ 

Wiley shook his head : 

Women are sometimes capable of baser things than 
perhaps enter into your category of their failings. How- 
ever, even to know how he gained his knowledge would 
be of no avail now. The question to be considered is 
his offer, — a tempting one, I allow. But can I trust 
him?”' 

I think you can,” she answered ; and then she looked 
at him, wondering why he said nothing of her engage- 
ment to Robinson. Could it be that the factory owner 
had left the announcement of it to her? Though the 
letter had been given to her unsealed, and was of a 
purport which she already knew, she had not read it. 

How she requested Wiley to read it to her. He did 
so, and, while it set forth in very clear terms all pertain- 
ing to the proposal, it did not contain a word relative 
to the engagement. 

I thought he would have told you,” she said, 
timidly, and with a painful blush, that he has asked 
me to marry him, and that I have consented to do so.” 

Astonishment kept her uncle silent, and for so long a 
time that Mildred began to be painfully embarrassed. 

To marry him ! ” he repeated at last. Well, you 
will have wealth, Mildred; but whether you will have 
happiness is another question. However, since he is 
your choice, perhaps you will run no great risk.” 


374 


REAPING THE WHiRLWIND. 


Could he but have looked into her heart, could 
he but have seen how his tone and words were lacerat- 
ing every fibre! But he could not look, and he knew 
nothing more than what she so quietly told him, and he 
assumed only that girls did not marry save for affection 
or wealth; and to the latter class possibly belonged 
this otherwise praiseworthy niece of his. In any event, 
the marriage would be for his interests, and it was now 
a strong inducement for him to trust Robinson. He 
answered : 

“ I suppose, then, that I ought to congratulate you 
and myself ? ’’ 

She did not look up; her heart was too full. But 
he seemed to regard her drooped head as evidence alone 
of modest embarrassment, and he proceeded: 

Do you agree with Robinson in thinking it best 
for me to go immediately to The Castle ? 

I know of nothing to be gained by delay,” she 
answered, tremulously; then, after a moment^s silence, 
she asked : 

What course have you decided upon with regard to 
Cora ? Will you come to us known to her as her father, 
or only as the man whom she and I met, and for whom 
Mr. Robinson made a place in the factory ? ” 

The latter,” he answered, firmly. I would win 
her esteem, her affection, if possible, before I make 
myself known to her.” 

She rose to accompany him to Mrs. Hogan in order to 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


375 


tell her of Mr. Kobinson’s offer to Wiley, but she did 
not intend to speak of her own engagement, and she 
requested her uncle to maintain a like silence on the 
subject. 

Mrs. Hogan was glad and sorry at the news. She 
bad so confidently hoped to have their guest as a member 
of her own little family; hut then, as she said in her 
cheerful way : 

It^s the best thing for you, Mr. Wiley. We can all 
see that you’re a real gentleman, and the place in the 
factory will be better suited to you than Dick’s shop. 
But Dick’ll feel bad, though, at losing your company.” 

He won’t lose my company altogether, Mrs. Hogan, 
for you will let me come to see you as often as I can, 
won’t you ? ” 

“Oh, then, with a thousand welcomes, Mr. Wiley; 
and it’s proud we’ll be of your visits, sir, as we always 
were of Miss Burchill’s.” 

So Mildred took her leave, her uncle promising to 
follow her in the course of the afternoon. 

Upon Miss Burchill devolved the task of telling 
Cora about the expected arrival at The Castle, and the 
girl’s eyes brightened with pleasure when she learned 
that it was the same apparently poor man whose strange 
look at herself had so impressed her. 

“ How did you find him ? ” was her impatiently put 
question. 

“ Why your uncle had learned something about him, 


376 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and where he was stopping, and he sent me with a letter 
to him.” 

I am so glad,” exclaimed the girl, for it would 
have been very lonesome now that Mr. Thurston’s gone. 
Uncle told me at lunch he had gone for good. Do you 
know. Miss Burchill, I just think your engagement to 
uncle had everything to do with his going.” 

Hush ! ” and Miss Burchill’s hand was playfully 
stopping the mouth of the speaker, while her heart felt 
as if a cruel weight had been put upon it. 

Mildred could not refrain from picturing to herself 
the meeting between the brothers-in-law, but all her 
imagination was not sufficient to depict the emotions by 
which that meeting was characterized. On one side 
there was the most intense form of Yankee hardness, 
accompanied by an exultant triumph in the changes 
which had made the factory owner wealthy and power- 
ful, while it left his sister’s husband poor and a refugee. 
On the other side there was a fearlessness, amounting 
even to that defiance which, at the risk of losing all 
that was at stake, might break into open denunciation 
and scorn did Bobinson assume any of his old demeanor. 
But Eobinson read his man. He saw that the spirit 
which had censured and repelled him in the past was 
as little broken by prison discipline and suffering as 
though it had encountered neither ; and fearing that, if 
he yielded at all to the feelings which possessed him he 
might overshoot his mark, and perhaps even lose that 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


317 


for wHicli all his schemes had been laid, he softened 
his manner, and even strove to put a semblance of hearti- 
ness into his tones as he advanced with outstretched 
hand, to Wiley : 

How do you do, old fellow ? IVe agreed to let all 
bygones be buried; so I’m glad to see you, and hope 
you’ll make yourself to hum.” 

Wiley took the outstretched hand, but somewhat 
slowly, while his bright, frank eyes met those of the 
speaker, as if he would look through them to the very 
heart of their owner : 

If you sincerely mean all that you have said in 
your letter to me, then I must confess that you are 
kinder and more generous than I thought it possible for 
one of your nature ever to be.” 

Hobinson laughed : 

You thought I was too darned a Yankee, I suppose, 
to have any of your English good-nature. Well, the fact 
of Mildred going to he my wife draws us pooty close 
you know, and makes me kinder soft on any of her 
relations.” 

Yes ; I attributed to her engagement to you the 
spirit which prompted your offer to me.” 

Well,” answered the factory owner, secretly nettled 
that he was credited with no disinterestedness, I gave 
Cora a home before I’d seen much of Miss Burchill.” 

Wiley smiled slightly, as if he had read the thoughts 
of the speaker: 

What interested motive led you to give her a home 


378 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


when, in her destitute infancy, you refused to provide 
for her, I do not care to know. Whatever your motive 
may have been, I am grateful to you for having given 
her a home, and I am grateful to you, on my own 
behalf, for what you now offer to do for me ; but Robin- 
son, let us understand each other. He drew himself up 
as if he were the master of the situation. I come to 
make my home with you, not as a criminal escaped 
from justice, and indebted to you for shelter and safety ; 
but as a wronged and innocent man, placed by untoward 
circumstances in my present position. My services in 
your employment shall compensate for your present 
generosity. I expect to receive such treatment from 
you as one gentleman would give another, and in no way 
shall I suffer an allusion bearing directly or indirectly 
upon anything of which you may suppose me to have 
been guilty.” 

Oh well, I reckon there won’t be anything said to 
rile your feelings. And now supposing we jist drop 
all this kind of talk? Dinner’ll be ready in a few 
minutes, and as Mildred tells me you don’t want to be 
known to Cora, I suppose I’m to introduce you to her 
as Mr. Wiley; and I suppose, too, I’d better begin to 
git used to calling you Robert. Eh ? ” 

Wiley nodded : 

“ Well, I’ll ring for some one to show you to your 
room.” 

He did so, and Wiley departed with the man who 
answered the bell. 


CHAPTEE XL. 


CoKA could not sufficiently praise Mr. Wiley. His 
refined air, of which his long prison sojourn had not 
deprived him, his perfect gentlemanliness, his quiet 
attention to herself whenever they met, and above all, 
the expression of suffering and melancholy which 
seemed to haunt his eyes, won her warmest interest and 
sympathy. She loved to talk about him to Mildred, 
and the latter deemed it well to invite the fullest con- 
fidence. 

I feel so often,” she said one day to Miss Burchill, 
when, as usual her conversation drifted almost uncon- 
sciously to Wiley, as if I wanted to ask him what it 
is that makes him so sad at times. I should so like to 
comfort him in some way. I tried to get out of uncle 
what his sorrow might he, for I fancied Mr. Wiley 
might have told him in return for his kindness; but 
uncle said Mr. Wiley would never say a word about him- 
self, and that he guessed he didn’t want people to know 
anything about him. Sometimes I think, perhaps, he’s 
lost a daughter who was like me, and that’s the reason 
he’s so attentive to me. Do you think it might he so, 
3Y9 


380 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Miss Burchill, or do you think that he has even been 
married ? 

If we wait a little ; ” answered Mildred, evasively, 
we may learn all about him. When he knows us all 
better, perhaps he will not be so reticent.’’ 

Robinson was becoming impatient for the naming of 
his wedding-day; but as often as he approached the 
subject, Mildred had requested him to defer it until she 
could be sure that there was no danger of rearrest to her 
uncle, an assurance which each succeeding day seemed to 
bring and to confirm, in the absence of even the slightest 
gossip about Wiley further than he was a friend of Miss 
Burchill, and because of that had been taken into the 
factory by Robinson, who intended him ultimately to 
fill Mr. Thurston’s place. Rumor had added, though 
upon what authority it had based itself was a mystery to 
both Mildred and her uncle, that Wiley had come quite 
recently from England, and, as no one contradicted the 
rumor, it gained rapid credence. Even, the newspapers 
seemed to have dropped all interest in the recapture 
of the convict, for now weeks had glided by, and there 
was not a paragraph about him. For the refugee him- 
self, he seemed to like his duties at the factory, and 
the operatives were fast growing to like him. In view of 
all these facts, Robinson determined to defer no longer 
to the wishes of his affianced. The influx of his mid- 
winter company was due in a fortnight, and, since he 
knew that Mildred would insist on a very quiet cere- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


381 


mony, he was determined that as soon as the visitors had 
gone — and he intended to shorten the time of their 
stay — he would have the marriage performed, and imme- 
diately when he had so resolved he sent for Mildred and 
announced to her his determination. 

She had no reasonable excuse to oppose him longer, 
and yet to consent to so speedy a commencement of her 
bitter sacrifice was like signing her own execution. She 
looked at him as he stood before her, tall, spare, and 
with all the ungainliness bred from ill-proportioned 
limbs and vulgar habits, while his thin, elongated, 
wrinkled face looked down upon her with scarcely more 
expression than if it were a piece of yellow parchment. 
Her very soul sickened at the thought of marrying him, 
and it seemed to her that never before had she realized 
all the horror of that to which she had bound herself. 
She fell on her knees, and while the tears gushed from 
her eyes she implored him to release her from her 
promise. 

I will minister to your comfort in any way that I 
can do,’^ she said, but do not ask me to become your 
wife.” 

He laughed, the malicious laugh of heartlessness and 
triumph. It told her doom at once, and she sank closer 
to the floor, and sobbed in all the bitter abandonment of 
woe : 

YouVe got to be my wife. Miss Burchill ; there 
ain’t no question about that. I ain’t going to release 


382 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


you, and I’m going to stand to my part of the contract 
if you don’t keep yours. You jist refuse to marry me, 
and I tell you I’ll have Chester Horton with the hand- 
cuffs on quicker’n it takes to tell you this. So you jist 
better leave off them tears of your’n and tell me what 
you mean to do. I must know now, right away. Will 
you marry me on the day I’ve named ? ” 

She arose and looked at him, her face pale, her mouth 
quivering, and the tears still upon her cheeks : 

Since you wring the consent from me in this 
manner, you have it; but remember, Mr. Robinson, 
you are taking a wife who, as such, will loathe and detest 
you.” She turned quickly and left the room. 

The factory owner chuckled as he saw the door close. 

Them feelin’s of her’n’ll change arter I get her ; ” 
he said to himself, and when she takes her turn with 
you,” shaking his fist at the corner of the room to which 
he always looked when under the infiuence of his strange 
terror, she’ll be tame enough, I reckon.” He rubbed 
his skinny hands together, and continued to chuckle. 
Then he began to take slow, lengthy strides through 
the apartment, while his mind was rapidly forecasting 
the attendant circumstances of the wedding. 

That night, for the first time since Thurston had 
taken up his residence at The Castle, Robinson resumed 
his old custom of visiting the village hotel. His visit, 
marked by the same apparently aimless saunter through 
bar-room and parlor which characterized it in the past, 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


383 


excited much curiosity and secret comment. Feared as 
he was, because of his wealth, influence, and well-known 
hard cast of character, he was at the same time, because 
of the odd and mysterious stories circulated about him, 
an object of strange and absorbing interest. Men looked 
up now from their tumblers as he passed them, and for- 
got for a while to drink their contents, in their curiosity 
respecting him. Chance acquaintances — made such 
through business alone, for Fohinson courted no East- 
bury friendships — were deterred from any hut the brief- 
est salutations by the impassable expression of the parch- 
ment-like face. Mine host himself fain would have been 
most gracious on this renewal of a once customary 
visit, though in the past it had brought nothing in the 
shape of patronage to the house, where Robinson was 
never known to have called for refreshments of any 
kind, — still it had been a sort of stamp of respectability, 
from the fact that the factory owner was the wealthiest 
and most influential man in the village. But even mine 
host’s obsequiousness was somewhat chilled by the cold, 
indifferent manner with which it was received. A 
little later, however, when Robinson had finished his 
saunter, he stood at the bar, and to the utter astonish- 
ment of the host, demanded a glass of liquor. All the 
loungers about stared as if they were not sure hut their 
ears had deceived them, and the factory owner looked 
around as if to note the expression of their faces, or 
possibly to learn their number. Owing to the compara- 


384 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


lively early hour there were but few in the room, and 
after a slight hesitation, as if he were holding some 
mental debate, he said with startling abruptness: 

Come, hoys, and have a treat. ’Tain’t often, I 
reckon, you git the chance of drinking with old Robin- 
son,” — he smiled grimly, — and maybe you wouldn’t 
this time, only I’m going to be married in a few weeks ; 
I’m going to be married to Miss Burchill.” 

A profound silence succeeded his announcement, and 
for two or three seconds it was not broken even by an 
attempt to accept on the part of those invited. 

Robinson attempted to laugh away the constraint 
which he had imposed, and he repeated his invitation, 
trying to assume the jovial tone and manner which 
would have been the accompaniment of such an offer 
from almost any one else ; but his effort was a failure, 
and it left him grimmer than before. 

The host, now, somewhat recovered from his own sur- 
prise, came to the rescue, and his acceptance of the 
invitation reassured the others, and brought them 
forward at last with expressions of thanks, and con- 
gratulations on the approaching marriage, though the 
congratulations were spoken with an air rather sugges- 
tive of doubt and insincerity. 

But -Robinson had accomplished his aim; he had 
announced his engagement to Miss Burchill, and that 
announcement, accompanied by the statement that it 
had come from his own lips, would be speedily all over 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


385 


Eastbury. Further, now that he intended to resign 
business, he wanted to popularize himself in his native 
village. While he had been accumulating money he had 
neither time nor thought to cultivate the feelings of his 
neighbors. Their friendship was not necessary to him, 
and the very fear in which they held him was perhaps 
an element in his own prosperity ; but now that he was 
boundlessly rich, and also about to possess a wife whose 
gentleness and charity had long made her popular among 
those to whom she was known, there had come to him a 
new and strange yearning to be, at least, no longer 
disliked by his Eastbury neighbors. He would silence 
also the stories which he knew were in circulation about 
him, — stories the chief interest of which lay about his 
dead child-wife. He wondered sometimes if Mildred 
had heard them, and if it were due to them that she 
could never learn to love him. This plan of resuming 
his visits to the hotel, and treating those whom he found 
there, had presented itself to him as the first and most 
feasible mode of winning something of public favor, 
and though the role was not at all in accord with his 
feelings, he determined to assume it for a few weeks 
at least. His first effort convinced him — and the con- 
viction was accompanied by a savage bitterness — that 
no wealth of his could purchase an iota of that friend- 
ship which was so spontaneously given to other men. 

The news of the approaching marriage was dis- 
cussed in almost every home in the village before sunset 
25 


386 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


of the next day, but in none with such doubt and aston- 
ishment, the latter feeling amounting almost to dismay, 
as in the home of the Hogans. Hogan himself at first 
refused to believe it; but when on going out that 
evening, he found the rumor confirmed by one who had 
heard Robinson’s announcement the preceding evening, 
he could no longer doubt, and he returned to his wife 
as dejected and gloomy as though some calamity had 
befallen himself. 

I thought Miss Burchill little less than an angel,” 
he said, his brows contracting with the old look which 
Mrs. Hogan used to dread so in the past. And then he 
added, bitterly, I little dreamed she could be so 
tempted by money.” 

His wife, though full of doubt and sadness also, 
refused to allow herself to become distrustful. She 
could not for one inexplicable act on the part of Miss 
Burchill forget all the lovely traits of character which 
had endeared the young woman to her, and she answered 
now, while her eyes ran over with tears she had been 
trying to repress : 

“ Don’t condemn her like that, Dick ; sure it’s little 
we know what feelings may be in her heart.” 

But Dick was not to be turned from his gloomy line 
of thought. 

She’s not been here lately,” he said, — “ not since 
Wiley left here; and when he came the other night he 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


$87 


never dropped a word of this affair. They’re all alike, — 
true to the human nature that’s in them.” 

His speech found an echo in his wife’s thoughts, but 
she still tried to defend Miss Burchill, even to the verge 
of exasperating her embittered husband. 

So the news of Hobinson’s approaching marriage 
reached even Barbara Balk. She heard it in one of the 
village stores where she stopped to make a purchase, 
and she so sharply and suddenly interrogated the shop- 
keeper, who was retailing the news to another customer, 
that the man became a little affrighted. He recovered 
sufficient courage, however, to give her the report as he 
had heard it. 

Stuff and nonsense ! ” said Miss Balk, with asperity. 

The rumor is just the offshoot of people’s crazy 
imagination. Miss Burchill wouldn’t think of marrying 
such a vulgar, withered old hulk as Robinson.” 

The man was a little aghast at the spinster’s daring 
denunciation of the powerful factory owner, and he 
hastened to repeat that the announcement had been 
made unmistakably by Robinson himself on the previous 
night. 

Stuff and nonsense ! ” said Miss Balk, again giving 
her head a toss that sent her hat awry. We’ll wait and 
see. Old Robinson mayn’t be so sure of his own words 
sometimes,” and she departed, leaving the shopkeeper 
suffering from the intimidation with which she had 
inspired him, for half an hour after. 


388 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Her thoughts were not the calmest as she pursued her 
stiif, angular way through the village streets, and she 
hardly waited to be well in the house before she screamed 
to Helen, who was just vanishing into the parlor : 

Do you know that old Kobinson is going to marry 
Miss Burchill ? ” 

Helen came out of the parlor, and stood facing 
Barbara with one of her old, soft, silvery ripples of 
laughter. 

Didn’t you know it ? ” she said, in her cooing voice. 

My poor Barbara ! you are quite behind the age ; and 
I thought you kept yourself so well-informed of all that 
concerns Miss Burchill.” 

Barbara’s thin lips came together with the snap that 
betokened intense though smothered anger, and she 
glared, without speaking at the widow. The widow did 
not lose a particle of her smiling effrontery. She even 
affectedly posed, as if to invite a longer look, and 
resumed as Barbara made no effort to speak : 

My poor Barbara, perhaps you are also in the dark 
about other things. Do you know that Mr. Thurston 
has gone from Eastbury, from the factory? Gone for 
good ? Perhaps, in Miss Burchill’s mortification at 
losing Mr. Thurston, she was glad to wheedle Mr. 
Robinson into her matrimonial net.” 

Miss Balk found her voice : 

Gone for good, is he ? My poor Mrs. Phillips, 
imitating the latter’s tones as nearly as she could, how 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


389 


have you survived his departure ? It must have been the 
harder since you have failed also in making a conquest 
of old Robinson, but I suppose Miss BurchilPs superior 
claims to truth and general goodness of character left 
your paltry charms no chance. Poor Mrs, Phillips ! ” 
The look and tones of the speaker were particularly 
provocative, and Helen felt for the moment as if she 
had sufficient strength to crush the spinster. In her 
temper, which rose with such heat and fierceness that 
it left her no control, she did not stop for an instant to 
consider the prudence of her words. 

General goodness of character,’’ she repeated, using 
no longer the cooing accents in which she had first 
spoken, but hissing her words out. She springs from 
nice stock to have general goodness of character. Her 
uncle is the notorious escaped convict Chester Horton, 
and, regarding my failure in the way of conquests, as 
you put it, I have not failed at least in getting my 
revenge. It is I who have come between Gerald and 
Miss Burchill, if, indeed, he ever intended to marry 
her.” In her ungovernable excitement she was spurting 
out the words. I did it. Do you understand, Barbara 
Balk ? And it is I who have been the means of making 
Miss Burchill consent to marry old Robinson. She will 
marry him to save her uncle, Chester Horton, to whom 
Robinson has given a home at The Castle and employ- 
ment at the factory on condition that Miss Burchill will 
give him her hand. She loathes him, I know she does, — 


390 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


loathes him as I would do if I had to marry him, — and 
I feel that she loves Gerald. So she will be wretched 
as I am, and I am staying here in Eastbury to look upon 
her misery, — to watch her after she has married that 
horrid old man, and to see in her face tokens of such 
misery that death would be sweet in comparison. So, 
spare your pity, Barbara ; I have accomplished my aim, 
and I shall revel in the gentle, the charitable, the 
good ” — speaking with mocking emphasis — Miss 
Burchilks wretchedness.” 

Such a look came into Miss Balk^s face as Mrs. 
Phillips had never seen there before, and it at once some- 
what alarmed and subdued her. Without being able to 
divine what mischief her impetuous words might have 
done, she would have given worlds to recall them, and 
she waited in anxious silence for a reply. But not a 
word came from the tightly set lips of the spinster, nor 
a look save the one strange expression which conveyed 
such indefinable fear to the widow. 

Why don’t you speak ? ” exclaimed Helen at last. 

Why don’t you say some of those caustic things that 
your nature battens on ? ” 

Because I don’t choose to,” answered Barbara 
dryly, and without another word she took her way 
past Mrs. Phillips to the stair and up to her own room. 
There, however, her face assumed a different look. She 
smiled, and once actually laughed outright, while at the 
same time she busied herself in opening a little old- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


391 


fashioned trunk and taking therefrom a sealed paper. 
Then she made other preparations, filling a satchel with 
such articles as one might require on a journey and 
changing her dress for a heavier and darker one. 

That afternoon, while Mrs. Phillips was secretly 
visiting Robinson at The Castle, Miss Balk was taking 
her way to New York. 


CHAPTEE XLI. 


Me. Eodney, more than usually absorbed in intricate 
legal business, was rather startled from the same by the 
abrupt and unannounced entrance into his private 
office of Miss Balk. On learning that the partition of 
translucent glass was all that separated the lawyer from 
the clerks in the business chamber without, she had 
swept by them without even answering their question 
as to her desire to see Mr. Eodney, or their request to 
her to wait while they would give information of her 
presence. They were too bewildered by the suddenness 
and boldness of her action, as well as by her strange 
and somewhat awe-inspiring appearance, to attempt to 
prevent her entrance into the legal sanctum. 

Are you Mr. Eodney ? ’’ 

The little gentleman, somewhat dazed both by the 
absorbing character of his recent occupation and this 
apparition — for, with her thin shrewish face and great 
piercing black eyes, she seemed little less, — was perhaps 
for a moment hardly sure of his own identity, for he 
answered in a bewildered, uncertain sort of way : 

I am.^’ 

Are you the Lawyer Eodney that figured in the 
case of Mr. Phillips^ contested will, counsel for Mr. 
392 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


39a 


Thurston in that case ? ’’ And Barbara’s tones, slightly 
raised in her eagerness, were very shrill. 

Bodney was recovering himself and beginning to he 
quite sure of his identity : 

I am, madam.” 

Then read this,” proffering him the sealed paper 
she had taken from her little old-fashioned trunk in 
Eastbury. 

He took it and turned it to find the superscription. 
There was none. 

It is sealed, madam,” he said, What right have 
I to open it ? ” 

The right which I give you. It was I who sealed 
it long ago.” Her tones sank and trembled a little. 

He opened the paper. The penmanship was in a 
large, legible, manly hand, and covered a page or more ; 
but before he had half read it his face flushed and 
paled, and his hands shook so that he could scarcely 
steady the paper sufficiently to read it. When he had 
finished, a single exclamation escaped him, Good 
God ! ” Then he looked at Barbara. Her eyes were 
flaming, and the shadow of a smile seemed to play about 
her thin, compressed lips. 

Is this true ? ” 

The lawyer leaned toward her in his eagerness, and 
spoke in a husky whisper. 

Is not there a notary’s name appended on the other 
side ? ” she answered. And then she continued, as she 


394 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


put her finger on the name of which she spoke, That 
notary was summoned and requested to sign his name, 
not as a witness to the document itself that he could 
certify to its contents, for he never knew them, — ^he 
was not permitted to read them, — ^but simply to testify 
that he had heard from the writer’s own lips that he, 
the said writer, did draw up and write that document.” 

Where is this notary now ? ” 

Living in Salem. I have never lost sight of him, 
not knowing when he might he needed.” 

And Miss Balk’s shadow of a smile became a real 
one, expressive of immense satisfaction. 

But the date of this,” resumed the lawyer, glancing 
again at the paper, is thirteen years ago. Why have 
you not brought it forward before ? ” 

Because it didn’t suit me to do so,” answered 
Barbara, with an expression of face and asperity of tone 
which warned the lawyer that he must probe no farther 
in that direction. 

She drew another paper from an old-fashioned bag 
on her arm, and placed it open before the lawyer: 

Here are all the facts you require. I wrote them 
down to save myself the time of giving them to you by 
word of mouth. You’ll find there all the addresses you 
need, and also something else that I thought had better 
be told.” Then she prepared herself for departure. 
^‘We understand each other now, Mr. Rodney, and I 
shall say good-hy.” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


395 


She extended her hand. 

Good-bj, Miss Balk,” having learned her name from 
one of the documents ; and if I should need you, 
where am I to look for you ? ” 

Anybody in Eastbury will tell you.” 

She had gone before he could even summon a clerk 
to attend her out, and he turned to the mysterious 
documents as if for proof that the recent scene was not 
an hallucination. But another perusal of the papers 
convinced him of the real character of their contents, 
and also of the necessity which existed on his part for 
prompt and rapid action. Other business was put 
aside, and the remainder of the day spent not alone in 
the desk labor entailed by those strange documents, 
but in visits to many of the civic authorities. When 
night came he was on the road to Salem, and the even- 
ing of the fourth day from that of his interview with 
Miss Balk saw him signaling for entrance to The 
Castle. 


CHAPTEK XLIL 


Robinson’s winter company had come, and hilarity 
reigned in The Castle to an extent it had reached 
hardly ever before. This was partly owing to the factory 
owner’s own abnormal frame of mind. Within the 
memory of any of his guests, — and there were those 
among them who had made the regular biennial visit 
from the very first issue of the invitations, — Robinson 
had never shown so utter an abandonment to the mirth 
of the hour; indeed, to the astonishment of all, he had 
frequent new diversions to propose, and he was himself 
the perpetrator of more than one surprising and amus- 
ing jest. They set the lively change in him down at 
last to the fact of his approaching marriage. He had 
announced that fact to his guests immediately on their 
arrival, hut he had also to couple it with the statement 
that Miss Burchill declined to resume her relations 
with the company until after the ceremony ; and as the 
ceremony in accordance with her wish, must be strictly 
private, he would be obliged to limit the stay of his 
visitors, which limitation, however, should be amply 
compensated for in the future. 

396 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


397 


And the guests, though somewhat disappointed hy 
this intended curtailment of their pleasure, were yet 
thankful for and quite prepared to enjoy their present 
good things ; nor did the fact of Miss BurchilPs absence, 
she who had mingled with them on other occasions, 
disturb them in the least; neither did they miss Gerald 
Thurston. A sense of what they owed to their host 
made them ask for Cora, who in her attachment to Miss 
Burchill had determined to follow her example of 
seclusion, and even to regret frequently her absence. 
Her uncle, however, was content to let her have her way, 
all the more as it afforded him an opportunity of invit- 
ing Mrs. Phillips to his evening festivities. With 
neither Cora nor Mildred present, the widow could 
mingle as often as she liked with the company at The 
Castle. And she gladly availed herself of every oppor- 
tunity to do so, acting with unusual vivacity of manner, 
and even assuming a regard for and delight in Bobin- 
son’s presence that were extremely flattering and pleas- 
ant to the factory ovmer. Her unsatisfled and tumul- 
tuous passions impelled her to this course. She lived 
now hut for one aim : to see another as unhappy as she 
was herself; and when her voice was softest in Bobin- 
son’s ear, and the touch of her dainty hand most gentle 
on his arm, her mind was gloating over the repugnance, 
the horror which Miss Burchill must feel in consenting 
to become his wife. While she smiled on him she was 
taking an inventory, as it were, of every line in his 


398 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


repulsive face. Her whole being shrank from him, and 
her sensations when he bent to her were those of sicken- 
ing disgust. But even then she was conscious also of a 
feeling of triumph, for would not Miss Burchill be the 
constant victim of just such emotions? 

Barbara’s absence on the night of the day on which 
the latter had gone to New York had surprised and even 
alarmed Mrs. Phillips not a little, — Barbara who had 
never been a night away except when she boarded at 
Mrs. BurchilFs and who to Helen’s knowledge had 
neither relatives nor friends to visit. She thought fre- 
quently and with nervous disquietude of her own im- 
prudent words, but she as often dismissed the notion 
that they could have anything to do with Miss Balk’s 
unusual absence. On the next day she was invited to 
The Castle to make one of the gay party assembled there, 
and when she returned that night. Miss Balk was at 
home. 

Where have you been ? ” asked Helen, so relieved 
at seeing Barbara that her tones were almost cordial. 

Visiting,” briefly responded Miss Balk. 

But where ? ” persisted Helen. I never knew 
you had any friends to visit.” 

Certainly none that I have made by such tricks as 
Mrs. Phillips uses,” and Barbara swept past the 
astonished widow into another apartment. 

Miss Burchill and Cora were not the only people in 
The Castle who kept themselves apart from the visitors. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


399 


Wiley, who had many and grave reasons for doing so, 
also secluded himself; and though Robinson was con- 
fident that there could be no danger, now that his 
brother-in-law had changed considerably in appearance, 
and the hue and cry after him had subsided, he did 
not persist in requesting him to be introduced to the 
company. 

Cora saw him often; indeed, he seemed to watch for 
opportunities of speaking to her, and she was too eager 
for them herself not to respond to them. Thus they were 
seen so frequently together by some of the servants 
that it came to be a sort of secret gossip among them, and 
comments were made as to whether Mr. Robinson 
favored what appeared to be a fast growing attachment. 
In this way Mildred came to hear it : a servant at work 
in the apartments of the governess, and desiring to 
gratify her own curiosity, ventured in her homely way 
to broach the subject. Miss Burchill answered quietly 
enough, and with a firm assurance that the questioner’s 
supposition was wrong; but in her own mind new and 
troubled thoughts arose. What if Cora’s impetuous, ar- 
dent affections had gone forth to Wiley in the way 
asserted by servant gossip ? 

Might not Wiley, in his own intense parental love, 
be unable to tell that the preference which his child 
evinced for him sprang rather from the impulse to love 
him as a suitor than from any natural filial instinct? 
Then, also, she remembered that, while the girl had 


400 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


seemed to be as confiding as usual, there was jet an 
unwonted abstraction about her air at times, and even 
a melancholy, which, owing to Miss BurchilFs own 
unhappy state of mind, she had not sought to question. 
!N^ow, however, she reproached herself for not having 
been more vigilant, and she went at once to Cora. 

The girl seemed to be at her studies, but from her 
abstracted, listless and even weary air, it was evident 
that her mind was not on the subject before her. 

She smiled on Miss BurchilFs entrance, and the latter 
fancied that even the smile was forced and strange. 

There is something the matter with you,” she said, 
seating herself beside Cora, and taking Corals hand; 

you are not like yourself, nor have you been for 
some time.” 

The girl affected to look up in surprise, and to put 
the same feeling into her tones as she answered: 

What do you mean ? ” 

But the first glance into the kind, earnest eyes fixed 
with affectionate interest upon her own disarmed all the 
pride and reserve she had summoned to her aid, and 
she burst into tears. 

I donT know what is the matter with me,” she said. 

I am at once happy and unhappy, — happy in Mr. 
Wiley’s society, happy in thinking of him, and yet 
unhappy in remembering the gloom by which he seems 
to be haunted; then I am tormented by the strangest 
yearning to do something which would put away this 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


401 


melancholy from him, and altogether I feel that if he 
were to go away from The Castle I could never, never 
be happy again.” 

Miss Burchill had heard sufficient. She needed no 
more to tell her that the time had come for Cora to be 
told of her relation to Wiley; and while she could not 
assume the responsibility of there and then enlighten- 
ing her, she determined that the communication should 
be delayed no longer than that evening. She would see 
her uncle herself, and explain the necessity which existed 
for telling Cora. 

That evening she sent a note to Horton, requesting 
him to meet her in a remote and seldom used room at 
the end of the main hall as soon after getting the 
message as possible, and having received the reply that 
he would be with her immediately, she hurried to the 
appointed place. This particular time had been 
selected by her because, being the dinner hour for Mr. 
Hobinson and his guests, she would be more secure from 
observation, and she hurried through the halls, thankful 
that she did not even meet a servant. Somehow, strange 
and unreasonable as it was, there had come to her 
recently an indefinable dread of being seen in any part 
of the house save that which contained her own rooms, 
and she shuddered as she thought how soon even the 
poor privilege of such seclusion would be taken from her. 

In the main hall, however, she was confronted by 
Mrs. Phillips. That lady, brilliant from the combined 
26 


402 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


effects of her own natural beauty and an exquisite cos- 
tume, was on her way to the dining-room. Mildred 
after one surprised and hasty look, would have passed 
on, but the widow sprang before her. 

“ I must speak to you. Miss Burchill,” she said, with 
her prettiest and most appealing air. I must con- 
gratulate you on your engagement to Mr. Robiuson. 
So fortunate as you are ; it will take you from a life of 
poverty, and possibly, humiliation. Indeed, Miss 
Burchill, you are to be envied for the shrewdness and 
policy by which alone you must have been able to secure 
such a suitor.’’ 

There was a ring of mockery in the soft tones, which, 
combined with the last taunting words, aroused within 
Mildred such a spirit of indignation as perhaps she had 
never felt before. She closed her mouth firmly lest the 
hot retort which sprang to her lips would burst forth, 
and when she had regained her self-control she answered, 
quietly, but with a sternness of manner before which 
Helen with all her effrontery, quailed a little : 

Were your congratulations other than the sarcastic 
ones they are, I should be compelled to doubt them from 
your own admissions in the past of untruthfulness. 
Regarding your unkind and unjust opinion of my 
engagement to Mr. Robinson, I forgive you, and I hope 
your own conscience in the future will not arraign you 
too severely for it.” 

She was gone, leaving Helen more of a prey than ever 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


403 


to the malicious and vindictive feelings which so con- 
stantly possessed her. 

But Mildred was sorely troubled ; every suspicion, 
every distrust of the widow which ever had sought 
entrance to her mind, came now with redoubled force 
and persistency. It was hard for her to doubt longer 
Mrs. Phillips’ deceit. She thought of the letter which 
had been intrusted to her by Wiley, and she felt, 
though not without a struggle against the conviction, 
that Mrs. Phillips had opened that letter and given its 
contents to Robinson. Her very heart sickened, and 
she leaned for a moment against the door-post before 
entering the room, that she might recover her wonted 
demeanor. And as she leaned there, pressing her hands 
on her wildly beating heart, she made one rapid but 
firm decision : to obtain from Robinson the promise that 
after her marriage Mrs. Phillips should never on any 
pretence visit The Castle. 

Her uncle was waiting for her, and though his face 
still retained much of its haunted, melancholy expres- 
sion, there was so cheerful an air about him that she 
strove also to assume a cheerfulness, lest her depressed 
manner might weigh upon him. 

She told him in a few words and with naive delicacy 
the object of her summons. He was shocked, and at 
first somewhat incredulous; then he covered his face 
with his hands and turned away. Mildred quietly and 
gravely waited; her own thoughts were so varied and 


404 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


tumultuous it gave her breathing time, as it were, to 
put them at bay. When he uncovered his face and 
turned to her he was frightfully pale, and the lines 
about his mouth seemed more marked and numerous. 

I thought not to tell her,’’ he said, for some time 
yet ; during that time my innocence in some way might 
be proved, or I might pass to a better world. In that 
case she need never have known; but now to tell her 
all ! and perhaps she will believe with the world that I 
am guilty. But she is my child, my only one, and as 
such she must love me. Tell her, Mildred, go to her 
now and tell her all ; then send her to me. I shall wait 
for her here.” 

He seated himself by the table, and buried his face 
in his hands. 

Miss Burchill left the room and hurried to Cora. 

The girl was in her own apartment, sitting by the 
window and gazing with moody abstraction out on the 
clear, starlit frosty night. So absorbed was she in her 
thoughts that she did not seem to notice Miss Burchill 
enter, and it required a repetition of her name to make 
her answer. 

The proper execution of her hurried commission was 
a source of no little anxiety to the governess, and now, 
having seated herself in order to begin it, she hesitated 
so strangely that the girl wondered and begged to know 
what was the matter. 

I want to enlist your sympathies for some one,” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


405 


she began at last, — some one who has suffered much, 
and who is now placed in a strange and trying position. 
And then she told her uncle’s story, concealing names, 
and making it appear as if it were some tale which had 
suddenly and recently come to her own knowledge. 
Cora was in complete ignorance that the tale had any- 
thing to do with herself, and she listened, with burning 
cheeks and brimming eyes, as Mildred depicted the 
agony of this man ; agony lest the child who had learned 
to love him while ignorant of his relationship to her, 
should spurn him, when that relationship should be 
revealed, because of the guilt which the world said 
attached to him. 

How could she ? ” hurst out Cora. When she 
would know him to be her father, she would — she must 
— ^love him more.” 

Miss Burchill arose: 

This story is your own, Cora. Mr. Wiley, or 
Chester Horton, the escaped convict of whom we have 
both read, is your father.” 

My father ! 

She had arisen also, and now stood like a statue, 
color and even the power of motion seeming for the 
moment to have fled. 

Your father,” repeated Mildred, softly, — your 
sorrowful, loving father.” 

My father ! ” said the girl at last. Oh, why was 


406 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


I not told before ? ” Tears came to ber relief, and she 
threw herself sobbing, on Mildred’s breast. 

Waiting only to have the burst subside, Mildred 
said, softly again: 

Go to him ; he is waiting for you in the room at 
the end of the main hall.” 

She needed no second bidding ; and she fled down the 
stair and through the hall, dashing past some of the 
guests, who were coming from the parlors, in a way that 
called forth exclamations of wonder and affright. But 
Cora, heedless of it all, went on ; and Bobinson’s atten- 
tion could not be attracted by any report of her strange 
conduct, owing to his own presence being desired in 
another part of the house, where Rodney waited to see 
him. 

The last doubt of his child’s affection was dispelled 
from Horton’s heart when she bounded to his arms, 
and sobbed within them in all the wild affection of her 
impetuous nature. But in that very moment of exquis- 
ite bliss, when his heart was melting in tenderness, it 
was also cruelly wrung by its old haunting fear of 
rearrest. To be torn from her now, when she knew, 
and knowing, loved him, would be worse than death, 
and he pressed her to him, and kissed her again and 
again, while his tears mingled with her own. 


CHAPTEE XLIIL 


Mr. Eobinson’ was in a most cordial spirit. The 
satisfactory progression of affairs in and about The 
Castle conduced to such a feeling; and he would not 
have refused to see even a charitable committee, had 
any called upon him, while he was in this genial glow. 

What, then, were his emotions of surprise and delight 
when Eodney’s name was announced! He supposed 
that gentleman bore some message from Gerald; per- 
haps even to the effect that Gerald would yet visit The 
Castle in time for the wedding; and of all the incon- 
sistent and selfish desires which the factory owner 
secretly entertained, that of having Thurston present at 
his marriage was foremost. Consequently, his greeting 
of the lawyer was so unprecedentedly hearty that the 
latter was momentarily dumfounded. He recovered 
himself, however, and returned the welcome in his own 
quick, gracious way, at the same time resisting all Eobin- 
son’s efforts to make him join the guests at dinner. 

Why, what’s the matter ? ” he said, a little testily, 
when he found his good nature so persistently repulsed. 

You’ve come to stay a spell, haven’t you, and to give 
me word about Gerald ? ” 

Eodney answered, rapidly: 

407 


408 REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 

I have come upon the strangest piece of business 
in which it has ever been my lot to engage.^^ 

And then he stopped short, and steadied his little 
twinkling eyes sufficiently to look very significantly 
into the factory’s owner’s greenish eyes. 

Robinson began to feel slightly uncomfortable. His 
glow of good nature subsided, and the hard look returned 
to his face, and the grim coldness to his manner, as he 
asked : 

What is it?” 

Take a chair then, Mr. Robinson ; the story is a lit- 
tle lengthy, and it may try you somewhat before it is 
quite told.” 

He seated himself as he spoke. Robinson sat down 
as he was requested to do, but only on the edge of the 
chair, and in such a bolt upright position that he looked 
as if he anticipated some bodily harm, and was prepared 
to start up in instant defence of himself. 

Twenty years ago,” began Rodney, in his rapid 
way, and accompanying his words by twinkling glances 
that seemed to go in several directions at once, a young 
man came to this country from England. By intelli- 
gence, tact, and ability he became, after the lapse of a 
few years, the confidential head clerk of a prosperous 
banking firm. To him was intrusted not alone all the 
important charges but the partners themselves often 
came to him for information and counsel. One partner, 
more than the others, made a trusted adviser of the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


409 


young clerk, and in his kindness frequently insisted 
upon helping him to keep the hooks. In this way they 
became very fast friends. 

One morning the clerk went to the bank. The 
hour was an early one for bank officers, but early hours 
in business was a habit with this young man. He 
opened his private office as usual, and turned to the 
safe in which the books were kept. That he also opened. 
The books were as he had left them, but a roll of checks 
dropped out. He took them up somewhat puzzled, 
knowing that he had not recently placed any checks in 
the safe. They were checks drawn upon the firm for 
various sums of money, and signed and indorsed with 
his ovm name. He stared aghast. His pen had never 
douched such checks, yet the handwriting was an exact 
imitation of his own. More and more bewildered, he 
drew forth the books. Once opened, they gave every 
evidence of having been handled since he had put them 
away. Leaves were crumpled, turned down at the 
corners, and in several instances wholly torn out. How 
convinced that gross mischief had been done, he turned 
to the safe where the money was kept. That was 
untouched. Gold, silver, and notes lay in the same 
careful piles in which he had last placed them. 

He turned in a bewildered way to the large office 
table, which stood in a shaded part of the room, and 
as he did so his foot came in contact with a soft, yield- 
ing substance. He looked down and beheld a man’s 


410 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


foot protruding from beneath the table. He dashed 
aside the table, and saw the dead body of the senior 
partner of the firm, the same gentleman who had called 
to consult him on a matter of business in that very 
room just at the conclusion of banking hours on the 
day before. A white pocket-handkerchief, stained with 
dried blood, lay on the breast of the dead man ; but, too 
horrified to make any further examination, the young 
clerk fied to summon others to the scene. The dreadful 
news circulated quickly, and what was the clerk’s amaze- 
ment and horror to find himself apprehended as the 
guilty party ? Everything told against him. The senior 
partner was seen to go into the clerk’s private office. 
He had even told another partner, whom he met while 
on his way to the office, that he was then going to speak 
to the clerk upon some matter about which he himself 
was troubled. 

Hobody saw him come out of the private office ; in 
fact, nobody saw him at all after that interview with 
the clerk. An examination of the books revealed changes 
to large amounts in the clerk’s own account with the 
bank, which fact, in addition to the checks drawn in 
the clerk’s name, seemed to be undoubted proofs of guilt. 
In some of the books whole pages were torn out, as if 
to destroy other proofs of the tampering with the 
figures. Then, no one possessed any keys to the safes 
or to the clerk’s office, save the clerk himself. But the 
most damning proof of all was the discovery of the 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


411 


clerk’s own name on the handkerchief found upon the 
body of the dead man. 

To all these proofs the clerk could offer alone his 
utter ignorance of the checks, and of the condition of the 
books. The books were quite correct when he left them 
the evening before, and as to his interview with the 
senior partner, it had been rather brief, owing to the 
fact that the latter decided to defer mentioning what 
troubled him until he should have further proof that 
his fears were well founded. But even that statement 
increased the weight of evidence against the accused, 
for it was confidently supposed that the senior partner 
had received outside information which reflected upon 
his trusted clerk, but, owing to his natural goodness of 
heart he had refrained from taxing him with it just 
then. 

In relation to the handkerchief, the clerk also ingen- 
uously told how by the merest accident during that 
interview both men happened to lay their handkerchiefs 
down in close vicinity ; each in returning the article 
to his pocket took not his own but his companion’s, 
which change the clerk discovered only when he reached 
home. 

The partner who had manifested so much friendship 
for the young man continued to do so still, and it was 
owing to his efforts that the young fellow, when he 
found the futility of every effort to prove his innocence, 
effected his escape. But he was recaptured, and on 


412 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


circumstantial evidence, lie was convicted and sentenced 
to a life imprisonment. 

The affairs of the bank were found to be in a 
ruinous condition, large sums of money had been mys- 
teriously paid out, and no record of the transaction, 
owing to the missing leaves of the clerk’s books, could be 
found. So, the remaining partners became bankrupt, 
and he who had been so warm a friend of the convicted 
clerk was obliged to retire to a life of comparative 
poverty. His family consisted of one daughter and one 
other relative. From the time of the bank failure his 
health and spirits declined, and, while he retained suffi- 
cient of both to give to his daughter all the advantages 
of education and culture which he himself possessed, 
he himself was never happy. In fact, the decline in 
his health seemed owing entirely to the decline in his 
spirits. When attacked by his last illness he called to 
his bedside his relative, and told her the secret which 
had undermined his health, — the secret which I shall 
now tell you.” 

Thus far the factory owner had not made a motion ; 
indeed, he scarcely seemed to wink as his eyes con- 
tinued to fasten themselves on Kodney’s face. ISTor did 
he now move ; his attention and interest were so intense 
that he hardly seemed to breathe. 

This disinterested partner,” the lawyer resumed, 
^^had ingratiated himself with the clerk, and had so 
kindly insisted on keeping certain of the books, regard- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


413 


less of the time and labor which it cost him, only that 
he might have opportunities of himself robbing the 
bank. He had been tempted into speculations which 
failed, and to save his child from poverty he drew sums 
which were not his and falsified the accounts in the 
books. He could not tamper with the accounts under 
the eye of the clerk, but he watched for and found an 
opportunity of taking impressions of the office and safe 
keys. From these impressions his own set of keys were 
made, and he was in the habit of secreting himself in 
the bank until the late night hours, when, having access 
to the books, he could do what he would with those of 
which he had charge; and he contrived to have charge 
of such as recorded his own accounts with the bank. 
The clerk, too honest and ingenuous himself, never 
though of questioning or examining in any way the 
books which the partner kept; and so things went on 
until that eventful night. But the senior partner had 
accidentally heard something which aroused in his own 
mind a secret suspicion of his colleague in the firm. Be- 
ing a man of the old-fashioned goodness, more disposed 
to accuse a delinquent to his face than to inquire into his 
misdemeanors behind his back, he at once secretly spoke 
to his partner. The partner appeared to explain every- 
thing, but he could see that the doubt of his integrity 
which had been raised was not quite dispelled, and he 
determined to stay that very night in the bank and de- 
stroy all proofs of his guilt, making it appear as if a 
burglary had been committed. 


414 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


Meanwhile, the senior partner had sought an inter- 
view with the clerk, possibly to mention to him in confi- 
dence what troubled him, and perhaps, to inspect the 
hooks wherein were kept his partner’s accounts. He 
did not do either, however, possibly owing to his hesita- 
tion to believe in his doubt, and he left the clerk, not to 
go home according to his wont, but to retire to his own 
room in the bank to cogitate still further on what yet 
continued to trouble him. The clerk, however, shortly 
after went home, and the partner, nervously eager to 
alter the books, and supposing that he was alone in the 
bank, hastily repaired to the clerk’s private office. In 
his haste and entire confidence that he was quite alone 
he did not even lock the door of the office, but proceeded 
to his work. He opened the books, here crumbling a 
leaf, there turning down pages, and, where his own ac- 
counts and those of another partner’s stood, tearing out 
whole leaves, in his shrewdness divining that, if Ms ac- 
counts alone were torn out, suspicion of some sort must 
rest upon him. In the midst of his labor there was a 
light knock at the door, and before the guilty man could 
recover from his astonishment the door opened, and the 
senior partner entered. The senior partner’s solitary 
cogitations had taken such strong and obstinate form 
that he determined to submit them to his confidential 
clerk, and knowing that the clerk sometimes remained in 
the bank until long after hours, he returned to the pri- 
vate office with the hope of finding him. His astonish- 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


415 


ment at seeing the suspected partner in his place was so 
great that he was speechless for a moment, while his eyes 
rapidly surveying the open books, the torn leaves, not yet 
disposed of, convinced him that all he had feared was 
absolutely true. He was a man of terrible temper when 
aroused, and it burst forth now in passionate accusa- 
tion. The guilty partner could offer no defence, and, 
too proud to invoke any clemency, he bore all in silence 
until the senior partner turned to sound the alarm for 
a constable. That the guilty man would not brook, and 
he sprang on the senior partner. He was much the 
stronger of the two, and as they clinched and fell he had 
an opportunity of fastening his hand firmly in the neck- 
erchief of the prostrate man; he twisted it tightly, and 
held it so until the witness of his guilt was no longer able 
to testify against him. Scarcely realizing that he had 
committed murder and laboring under an uncontrol- 
able excitement, he had still cunning enough to devise 
plans for averting all suspicion from himself. A hand- 
kerchief lay on the floor ; it had been in the dead man^s 
hand when he entered the room, and had dropped in the 
encounter. Fearing that it might be his own, and so be- 
tray him, he searched for the name : it was that of the 
clerk. While he held it and while he looked at the body, 
hesitating whether to leave it as it had fallen, he saw a 
tiny stream of blood dyeing the side of the forehead, 
which must have been struck in the fall. He wiped the 
blood with the handkerchief and threw it on the dead 


416 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


man’s breast. That might be one link which would 
fasten suspicion on another ; but then, in order to make 
it a substantial link, the accounts of the clerk should be 
shown to be wrong. He sat down again before the 
books, and with feverish haste altered the figures of the 
clerk’s own accounts with the bank. Still he was not 
satisfied. Now that he had committed so dreadful a 
crime, every precaution must be taken to avert suspi- 
cion from himself. He thought of the unsigned checks, 
and knowing where they were he brought them forth. 

From boyhood he had been able to imitate any pen- 
manship, and, familiar as he was with that of the clerk, 
it was scarcely an effort to sign and indorse the checks. 
Cunning had lent him strange courage. He drew the 
corpse under the table, where it could not be seen read- 
ily ; he replaced the books, locked up all, and managed to 
get out of the bank without being seen by even the night 
watchman. He exerted himself in favor of the con- 
victed clerk only as a balm to his own haunted con- 
science. That was somewhat appeased by the fact that 
the poor clerk escaped hanging ; but, now that he himself 
was dying, his dreadful secret was too much for him. 
He told it all to this relative of his, and then, his guilty 
soul still tormented, he wrote it out, and had a notary 
called in as a witness, not to the contents of the paper, 
but as a witness to the fact that the dying man swore 
he had written those contents. His worm-eaten con- 
science had also compelled him to save the very leaves 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 

he had torn out of the books of the hanking firm ; these 
also he gave to his relative. 

She, however, was made to swear that she would not 
use the confession until after the death of the daughter 
of this dying man, should she be the survivor, unless by 
its use she could prevent the commission of any further 
gross wrong. In the case of her death being first, she 
was to leave the confession in the hands of the daughter. 

A gross wrong was about to he committed, and in 
order to prevent it the confession had been used. The 
result will be publicly known in a day or two at most. 
Do you understand my story, Mr. Kobinson? Do you 
know the characters concerned in it ? ’’ 

Robinson made the first motion he had made since the 
commencement of the tale. He bent forward and said, 
in a husky whisper: 

The clerk is my brother-in-law, Chester Horton.” 

And the partner, Mr. Robinson, — who is he ? ” 
Rodney was also leaning forward, hut the factory 
owner only stared without replying. 

The partner,” resumed Rodney, was Mr. Brower, 
the father of Mrs. Phillips.” 

Methusala ! ” exclaimed Robinson, and for a second 
his mouth remained open in astonishment. 

Rodney bent closer still : 

And you, Mr. Robinson, I understand, have won 
Miss BurchilTs consent to marry you in order that her 
uncle, Chester Horton, may escape rearrest. As Hor- 
27 


418 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


ton’s innocence will be published through the length and 
breadth of the land in a day or two, it will be incum- 
bent upon you to release her from her promise.” 

The red spots began to glow on the factory owner’s 
cheeks and his mouth twitched involuntarily, but he rose 
and said, steadily enough: 

I suppose it’s no use asking you how you came by all 
this knowledge, and it’s no use, either, crying arter spilt 
milk. I suppose I’ll have to give Miss Burchill up. I 
don’t mind tollin’ you that it’ll cut me up dreadful, 
though, for I like her. She’s a fine girl, and I meant 
to make her love me arter I got her. You want to see 
Chester Horton right away, I suppose, or maybe you 
have already seen him, or written to him and Miss 
Burchill, too ? ” 

I have not. Neither of them knows a syllable of 
what I have told you ; but Horton must return with me 
to New York to-morrow. There are some preliminaries 
to be attended to which will require his presence,” an- 
swered Rodney, not a little surprised at the easy manner 
in which the factory owner had relinquished his expec- 
tation of marrying Miss Burchill.” 

Then you must stay at The Castle to-night,” said 
Robinson, emphasizing the must and placing, at the 
same time, his hand familiarly on the lawyer’s shoulder. 

Come, Rodney,” he continued, doing his utmost to 
make his manner exceedingly warm, don’t think me 
such a bad, hard fellow as some people do, I know Ger- 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


419 


aid felt awful cut up about Miss Burchill, and I suppose 
he^s prejudiced you agin me. But it^s all made right 
now; so jist let us be friends, will you ? ” He took his 
hand from Kobinson^s shoulder and extended it. The 
lawyer grasped it, deeming a show of friendliness the 
best policy under the circumstances. I’ll send Chester 
and Miss Burchill to you, but I’ve a small favor to ask 
of you : will you see that this thing is not told to any one 
else in the house until to-morrow.” 

Certainly,” replied Rodney ; ^^there’s no hurry in 
making it known until it is publicly proclaimed.” 

Robinson left the room, and sending a servant to sum- 
mon his brother-in-law to Rodney, he went himself in 
search of Miss Burchill. 

It was the first time during her residence at The Cas- 
tle that the factory owner had ever entered the little 
parlor assigned to her private use, and his presence there 
now frightened her. Had he come to insist upon her 
fulfillment of the marriage contract ? But it could not 
be, for there was a fortnight yet; still she paled and 
trembled, and he, seeing her fright, smiled and purposely 
refrained from speaking for a moment; then he said, 
jocularly: 

Ain’t ready for the marriage yet, be you ? ’’ 

“ Mr. Robinson ! ” Her very lips were white, and 
they seemed powerless to frame another word than that 
frightened utterance of his name. 

Well, don’t be skeered. I ain’t come to insist on 


420 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


you marryin’ me. l\e come to tell you that you 
needn’t marry me. Kodney’s downstairs with all the 
proofs of Chester’s innocence.” 

She did not seem to understand him. He repeated 
what he said, adding a fuller explanation. 

Her uncle’s innocence proved, her own enforced and 
hated marriage contract with Kobinson annulled ! She 
comprehended all at last, and she could not speak from 
very joy. The color came rapidly back to her cheeks 
and lips, and her large soft eyes shone with an expres- 
sion which seemed to light up her whole face, and which 
made her look to the factory owner prettier than ever. 
His narrow, callous heart loved her with an intensity 
that he had never known before, and it impelled him, 
since he could not have her love in return, to have, at 
least, not her hatred. 

Mildred,” he said, with so strange a softening of his 
tones that it instantly won her readily aroused sympa- 
thy ; let me call you so this once, while I ask you to for- 
give me for endeavoring to force you to be my wife, 
and while I ask 3^ou now not to hate me, but to feel 
kind of friendly to me.” 

His voice actually trembled as he said the last words, 
and his very manner was so humbled and abashed, so 
strange a manner for him, that Mildred could not re- 
sist the impulse to pity him. 

I do forgive you, Mr. Robinson,” she answered, 
and I do not hate you now.” 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


421 


If you had married me,” he said, still in his 
strangely humbled way, I should have tried to deserve 
you. I meant to grow kind to the people, and to make 
them forget that I was so hard as they say I am; hut 
it^s all over now,” straightening himself, and resuming 
almost his wonted manner, and as long as you’re will- 
ing to be friends with me, I’m satisfied. list make The 
Castle your home as usual. Go down now and see Kod- 
ney. I reckon Chester knows the story by this time, 
and don’t tell any one else in the house to-night any- 
thing about it. As Cora don’t know Chester’s her 
father, there ain’t no need on telling her yet.” 

She does know ; she learned it to-night ; we thought 
it better to tell her.” 

Methusala ! What a heap of strange things come 
together sometimes. To think of her jist discovering 
he’s her father on the very night that the tale of his in- 
nocence is brought down here. Well, you’d better tell 
her too, then, I suppose, but git her to keep the secret 
until to-morrow.” 

He was gone, leaving Mildred to wonder whether she 
was just awakening from a delightful dream. In a few 
minutes, however, when she had descended, and found 
with Kodney not only her uncle, hut Cora, the girl in 
happy tears, she was convinced of the truth of the glad 
tidings. 


CHAPTEE XLIV. 


What Eobinson’s purpose was in requesting that 
Eodney’s strange information be confined to a few 
breasts until the next day bad reference to one of those 
sudden thoughts which occasionally influenced the fac- 
tory owner, and in relation to that sudden thought he 
immediately, on leaving Miss Burchill, ordered his 
own light private conveyance. Among some of the 
guests who happened to see his preparation for his de- 
parture was Mrs. Phillips, and she, with most bewitch- 
ing familiarity, ran up to him to know how long they 
must be deprived of his company. He smiled very 
fondly, or what he meant to be such, down upon her, and 
answered that he was only going to the farther end of 
the village on a little business. An hour at most would 
be the time of his stay. 

Within the hour he returned accompanied by a gentle- 
man whom he ushered into a vacant parlor. Then, 
waiting only to divest himself of his outer wraps, he 
went in search of Mrs. Phillips. She, on learning that 
Mr. Eobinson wanted her to accompany him immedi- 
ately to his study for the purpose of consultation, went 
into a flutter of delighted wonder. It made her very 
422 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


423 


important in her own eyes, and of course in the eyes of 
the guests who saw him in search of her, and who 
marked his manner to her. 

She accompanied him at once, forgetting for the 
moment that she might be again a witness of the ner- 
vous attack which prostrated him and terrified her. 
But the moment that her foot passed the threshold of 
the study, with its array of lights, she remembered, and 
she paused timorously and looked at him. He under- 
■ stood her hesitation : 

You needn’t he skeered. I’ve had my spell for this 
night; had it while I was out. You see, it pooty near 
always comes at the same hour.” 

Thus assured she went to the chair he indicated, not 
noticing that he had softly locked the door and taken out 
the key. Never had she looked lovelier, and the very 
play of the lights upon her added to the brilliancy of her 
complexion and the grace of her exquisite form. She 
was able to assume also such graceful postures, neither 
constraint nor yet unwomanly ease in any of her atti- 
tudes. And now as she carelessly seated herself, lean- 
ing slightly forward, with her jeweled hands clasped 
in front of her, she looked like some exquisite picture 
out of its frame. 

Was it upon his approaching marriage that Mr. 
Robinson desired to consult her ? ” 

How prettily and lightly she mouthed the words! 
That marriage was the food of her soul. She lived in 


424 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


anticipation of it, for the misery of her hated rival 
would be a halm to her own wretchedness. 

Yes ; it is about the marriage,’’ answered Eobinson. 

And then, without a word of warning he told her in 
his own short, homely way the tale which he had heard 
from Eodney; and, like Rodney, he suppressed names 
until he reached the end. Thus Helen learned that 
she was the daughter of a forger and a murderer, and 
that she was to be disappointed in her expected revenge, 
for the factory owner had relinquished his claim to Miss 
Burchill’s hand. 

Of all the dreadful emotions which that strange 
story caused to war in the widow’s breast, that 
aroused by the disappointment of her revenge was the 
keenest and most dreadful. She was no longer beauti- 
ful ; the working of her rage distorted her countenance, 
and the exquisite complexion gave place to so livid a 
hue that, in the glare of the lights, it became ghastly. 

It is not true,” she shrieked, this horrid tale. I 
will not believe it.” 

He did not answer her, and the sight of him sitting 
so still and cold, save for the shadow of a smile which 
was more like a grin playing about his thin, set lips, was 
as strong a proof of the truth of the statement as if he 
had made repeated affirmations. 

I shall not believe it,” she repeated. And then her 
overcharged emotions broke forth, and she cried and 
sobbed like a child. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 425 

Still Robinson did not speak. He only watched her 
with that same covert grin. The outburst spent itself, 
and she raised her head, wailing: 

What shall I do ? 

Do ? I’ll tell you. I was only waiting for you to 
git kind of quiet before I’d speak. Jist you marry me, 
and that’ll make things square. Hobody’ll say any- 
thing to you when you’re my wife.” 

Mrs. Phillips sprang to her feet. 

Me marry you ! ” she exclaimed, horror, disgust, 
and contempt struggling with each other for expression 
in her face and voice. 

Yes ; marry me,” repeated Robinson, also rising 
and letting into his countenance that look of hard, cruel 
determination which Helen on another occasion had 
seen and shrunk from. If it’s so dreadful hard to 
become my wife, you’ve played the hypocrite about as 
nice as the old one himself could do it. You’ve been 
a-giving me your sweetest smiles and looks till I didn’t 
know but what you’d like to be in Miss Burchill’s place, 
and now, when you git the chance to be, you jist back 
out like a balky filly. But the fact of the matter is, 
Mrs. Phillips, I ain’t going to be cheated out of a wife, 
and since I had to give up Miss Burchill, I jist made up 
my mind to have you ; so, while I have been out, I have 
fixed matters up in such a way that you’ll have to marry 
me whether you want to or not.” 

Have to marry you! What do you mean? ” 




REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


She looked like an enraged tigress. 

ISTow jist keep quiet. All them tantrums ain’t a bit 
of use, for I’ve jist got you fixed. You know that let- 
ter of Chester’s to Miss Burchill that you opened? 
Well, marry me, or go to the state prison for that. I 
have the letter you gave me in my possession still, and 
every proof to fix the guilt of opening his sealed letter 
upon you. Then you once told me about the last scene 
between you and old Phillips. I’ll git that brought up, 
too, and have you convicted of perjury, and then 
Gerald’ll obtain his rights. So, you see, I’ve jist cor- 
nered you every way, Mrs. Phillips, and knowing that, I 
went after Parson Tabor, and he’s waiting in one of the 
parlors all ready to splice us. We’ll have the ceremony 
right in here. You’re dressed pooty enough, and we’ll 
surprise the guests by a sudden invitation to the wed- 
ding. This room is so large I guess they’ll all git in.” 

She was on her knees in terrified supplication to 
him. He laughed at her and bade her make her de- 
cision quickly. 

Then give me a month — a week — a day — till the 
morning.” 

Hot an instant longer than ten minutes. I’ll give 
you ten minutes. Call me when you’re ready.” 

He walked to the extreme end of the apartment, and 
she, frantic, flew to the door as if she would escape some- 
how. It was locked, and she beat against it in her de- 
spair until her hands were sore and bruised. The fac- 



Maybe you think I ain’t got things fixed for your arrest? 



t 





REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


427 


tory owner did not seem to care. He knew tkat the ser- 
vants were too well instructed to dare to make open in- 
vestigation of any untoward noises they might hear, and 
as none of the guests had any business to he in that part 
of the house, Helen might beat against the door and cry 
as long as she would without fear of succor reaching 
her. She seemed shortly to realize that fact herself, for 
she desisted in her efforts, and threw herself on the floor, 
weak from rage and despair. 

The time’s about up, Mrs. Phillips, and as it’s all 
the same to me whether you become my wife, or whether 
you go from The Castle as a prisoner, I want your 
answer pooty quick. I’m going to have fun of some kind 
here to-night, and if it ain’t one it’s got to he the other. 
I reckon the excitement of your being taken away to 
prison would be enough for the guests for a good spell. 
Maybe you think I ain’t got things fixed for your ar- 
rest ? I jist attended to that, too, while I was out, for I 
kinder thought you might kick agin marrying me. So 
jist give up them tantrums of your’n and answer me.” 

She rose up slowly and looked at him. The pitiless 
determination in his face convinced her that he would 
execute his threat. 

O God! how retribution had overtaken her! The 
pitfall she had dug for another had ensnared her own 
feet, and with a low, moaning cry of despair, she buried 
her face in her hands, and sank to the floor again. 

This ain’t no answer, Mrs. Phillips,” and Robinson, 


428 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


stooping, put his hand on her shoulder. The loath- 
some touch aroused her. She sprang up and away from 
him shrieking: 

DonT touch me ! ’’ 

Her very aversion to him increased his cruel deter- 
mination, but he repeated, in the tones he had used 
before : 

Give me your answer.’^ 

Since marry him she must to escape the horrible fate 
of a prison she would marry him, hut she would escape 
from him as quickly as possible after. So she flung up 
her hands, and recoiled still farther from him, as she 
shrieked : 

I’ll marry you.” 

He strode after her, pursuing her, for it became a 
sort of chase, she retreating as he advanced until the 
wall brought her to a stand at last. Then he said : 

You consent to marry me, but there is another thing 
you’ll have to consent to, that is to let the marriage go 
on quietly without making any scene, or stopping it in 
anyway. If you do, I swear to Moses I’ll do jist what 
I threatened to do, and I’ll tell your hull story to the hull 
company. Do you understand? Dor, as I said before, 
it’s the same to me, one thing or the other. I liked Miss 
Burchill, and I’m dreadful riled to give her up ; but 
since I can’t have her, you’ll do. I’m not going to be 
cheated out of a wife, and you’re pooty enough for me 
even if you are so deuced wicked,” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


429 


Knowing that there was no release for her, and feel- 
ing that the quicker the ceremony was over the surer and 
the speedier might be her escape from The Castle, she 
nerved herself with a strength born out of her very 
desperation. 

Summon your minister,’’ she said ; I am ready for 
execution.” 

She was wedged against the wall, her eyes gleaming 
as they never seemed to do before, and her breath coming 
in quick, labored gasps. She had gathered the skirt of 
her dress to her, as if she feared he might touch even 
that. 

He fain would have touched her, would have drawn 
her to him and attempted to soothe her, but something in 
her face deterred and frightened him. So, forced to 
he contented with what he had obtained, he went from 
her to ring the bell in order to summon a servant, looking 
back at her, however, as if he feared she might lay 
violent hands upon herself ; nor did he for one moment 
relax his vigilance. 

The servant who answered the bell was told to sum- 
mon to the study the gentleman whom he would find 
waiting in one of the parlors, and likewise all the guests. 
He was also told, though in a lower voice, to extend the 
summons to Mr. Wiley, Miss Horton, Miss Burchill, 
and Mr. Kodney. 

The minister and guests came, the former arriving 
first, and the latter too full of delighted wonder and ex- 


430 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


pectation to suspect for what purpose they had been sum- 
moned, even when they saw the factory owner, Mrs. 
Phillips, and a very ministerial looking personage seated 
together at the end of the room. Kobinson would not 
leave the side of his affianced even to pay a brief cour- 
tesy to the wonderstricken guests. A servant ushered 
them to seats, and when impulsively interrogated by an 
impatient lady, who was too plebeian to refrain from 
questioning domestics when it suited her, as to the pur- 
pose of the summons, the man gravely shook his head ; 
he was as ignorant as were the guests of his master^s de- 
signs. Miss Burchill, Cora, the latter’s father, and Eod- 
ney were the last to arrive ; they, too, as much in wonder 
as the guests, were assigned to seats, and then appeared a 
mysterious scene. Robinson and Mrs. Phillips, she 
with features as white and set as if they had been 
marble, stood up, and Parson Tabor, with book in 
hand, stood up also. It looked very like the prepara- 
tion for a marriage ceremony. Could it be such ? And 
if so, what did it mean? Robinson was engaged to 
Miss Burchill, yet there sat Miss Burchill among the 
guests, as completely mystified, to judge by the expres- 
sion of her face, as any of them. Only Rodney seemed 
to understand it. He bent forward and whispered in 
Wiley’s ear : 

By Jupiter! but the old cove is going to marry 
Mrs. Phillips.” And he leaned back and laughed to 
himself until the tears shone in his eyes. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


431 


In a few seconds everybody was convinced that it 
Avas a marriage ceremony. Robinson’s responses were 
loud and distinct, but Helen’s could be heard only by 
those who were near her. She thought of another mar- 
riage ceremony performed six years before ; she thought 
of her wretched life since then ; she thought of Gerald, 
still the idol of her soul, and with whom all hope of any 
reconciliation must be abandoned forever; she thought 
of the horrid old man to whom she was now bound, and 
then, in her agony raising her burning eyes, they fell on 
Mildred Burchill’s astonished countenance. That she, 
of all people in the world, should witness this climax, 
as it were, to her misery was too much for even Helen’s 
unusually strong nerves. For one second her eyes 
flashed upon Mildred with malicious hate, then her rage 
and despair culminated in a shriek — a wild, piercing, 
agonized shriek — that brought every one simultaneously 
to his or her feet, and she fell, white and senseless, to the 
floor. But the ceremony was over, and she was Robin- 
son’s wife. 


CHAPTEK XLV. 


The Castle seemed to be a strange bouse that night. 
Indeed, from the subdued and awe-stricken manner of 
the guests and from the gloom which pervaded, it might 
well justify all the weird and extraordinary stories 
that ever had been circulated about it. Xot a word of 
explanation had been vouchsafed of the strange event 
in the study. The newly-made Mrs. Robinson had been 
carried above stairs by her husband, and the company 
were left to conjecture among themselves. The parson, 
quite as much astonished at the dramatic denouement of 
the ceremony as anybody else, could impart very little 
information ; he had simply been called upon by Robin- 
son himself that evening, and engaged to perform the 
marriage. To Miss Burchill they would have turned, 
supposing, of course, that she must know, but that young 
lady in company with Cora and the two gentlemen who 
had entered the study with her, had quietly withdrawn 
as soon as the bride had been borne out. She was now 
in her own little parlor, engaged in anxious conference 
with Cora and the aforesaid gentlemen. 

The fate intended for you. Miss Burchill, has been 
given to Mrs. Phillips,” said Rodney. 

432 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


433 


I am afraid that she, too, was forced into it,’’ said 
Mildred with a shudder. 

Wiley, as we must still call him until he himself re- 
sumes his name, had been watching his niece with 
strange earnestness as she spoke. He rose and went 
over to her. 

Do you remember,” he said, — and he paused as if 
something in his throat prevented his utterance; when 
he resumed, his voice was slightly husky, — the day 
that I first learned of your engagement of marriage to 
Robinson? Do you remember what I said to you? 
How did you refrain from telling me then that it was 
to save me that you were going to sacrifice yourself? 
How have you kept so quiet about it since ? To think, 
O God ! that you would have done all this to save me.” 
He covered his face with his hands to hide the emotion 
that threatened to unman him, but Mildred withdrew 
his hands and held them in her own, while she said 
softly : 

Am I not well rewarded ? ” 

There seemed to be a sudden and most unusual bustle 
in the corridor just outside, — a sound of rapid, heavy 
steps, and two or three voices speaking together in ex- 
cited alarm; and before Rodney, who was nearest to 
the door and wondering at the noise, could spring to 
open it, there were repeated heavy knocks. He opened 
the door to see the blanched faces of two or three of the 
servants. Horrified fear seemed to have taken posses- 

28 


434 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


sion of all their senses, and, forgetful of every propriety, 
they burst out together : 

Come quick. Miss Burchill ! Mr. Robinson wants 
you. Mrs. Phillips ” — in their excitement they had 
forgotten that she had changed her name — has gone 
stark, staring mad. She has nearly murdered Mr. Rob- 
inson, and she’s thrown the wax lights about, and set 
things on fire, so that he had to ring and scream for 
help.” 

Miss Burchill became as blanched as themselves, and 
she rose in an uncertain, bewildered way, as if she knew 
not whether to obey the summons. 

I shall go with you,” said Wiley, who was already 
standing, having risen on the entrance of the servants, 
and he crossed to his niece. Cora wanted to accompany 
them, but her father waved her back. 

A mad woman is no sight for you,” he said ; re- 
main here with Mr. Rodney until we return.” 

The fear-stricken servants led the way to Mr. Robin- 
son’s private apartments, and at every turn they were 
met by some one of the panic-stricken guests. Some of 
the latter, knowing not what further dreadful thing 
might happen in that mysterious house, were, late 
though the hour, making preparations for an immedi- 
ate departure, while others but deferred their going 
until the morning. 

The devastation which Mrs. Phillips, or Mrs. Robin- 
son, was said to have committed was hardly exaggerated. 


reaping the whirlwind. 


435 


More than half of the lights that burned in the gorgeous 
bedchamber were extinguished, and in many places the 
fallen candlesticks and the singed and burned appear- 
ance of the curtains and tapestry hangings gave evidence 
of the violence that the lights were said to have suffered 
at her hands. In addition, a costly mirror lay smashed 
to fragments, and the heavy candelabra lying amidst the 
ruins bore testimony as to how the havoc had been ac- 
complished. Everything in the room betokened a strug- 
gle; chairs were lying overturned, and the draping of 
the bed hung in torn strips or rested in crumpled masses 
on the floor. Robinson himself presented a sorry pic- 
ture. His face was bleeding, the bosom of his shirt torn 
and also blood-stained, while one of the sleeves of his 
coat hung in tatters from his arm. 

He was in such a state of excitement that his voice 
could not steady itself for an instant as he shouted to 
the servants and some of the guests who were crowding 
the doorway to leave the apartment. Mrs. Robinson 
was extended on a lounge, and firmly held there by two 
of the male domestics. Blood was also upon her dress, 
the torn and disordered condition of which bore little 
likeness to its elegance of an hour before. Her hair 
swept in one wavy, tangled mass about her shoulders, 
and her eyes and cheeks were blazing with all the dread- 
ful fire of violent insanity. She was, indeed, as the ser- 
vants had expressed it, stark, staring mad,’’ and now, 
as her struggles to free herself from the strong, united 


436 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


grasp upon her were more and more ineffectual, she 
shrieked as people are said to do when life is going out 
with some violent gasp. 

Clear the room ! ” commanded Robinson, with stern 
authority, though his voice was hoarse and trembling; 
and then, as Mildred and Wiley entered, he went him- 
self and slammed the door in the faces of those who per- 
sisted in gratifying their curiosity. 

Miss Burchill sickened a little at the scene in which 
she found herself, and she could not help recoiling from 
Robinson when he approached her, but he was too excited 
to notice it. 

I sent for you,’^ he said hurriedly, thinking you 
might be able to do something to calm her until the doc- 
tors git here. IVe sent for two on ’em, and I reckon 
they’ll say she’d better be sent to an asylum, but I ain’t 
going to let her go from The Castle. Eh, Chester ? ” 
looking with strange eagerness into the face of his 
brother-in-law. What do you think ? She’s my wife, 
and I ought to keep her here, eh ? ” 

Wiley shook his head: 

If she’s going to be violently insane for the rest of 
her life, I doubt your ability to manage her.” 

Oh, I’ll manage her, now I know what she is,” he 
answered, with something like his customary grin, 
which, with the blood-stains on his face and his general 
appearance, made him hideously repulsive. 

My ! how she sprang at me and fought ! The first 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


437 


thing I know’d, when I brought her up here and she got 
out of that fainting fit, she had the lights hurled about 
and the mirror over there smashed ; and then she sprang 
at me and clawed my face with her nails, and tore my 
shirt bosom with her teeth, and if it weren’t that the 
things got afire I’d have managed her without any help. 
But Methusala ! when I seen the way things was a-flam- 
ing, and felt that she was a-gitting the strength of a 
wild beast, I jist had to summon the house.” 

He seemed to forget in his excitement that among his 
listeners were the two servants who still held his mad 
bride. 

Speak to her, Miss Burchill,” said Kobinson ; 

maybe the sound of your voice’ll recall her.” 

Mildred went to the struggling woman and knelt by 
her side, calling her name gently ; for an instant, at the 
sound of the voice, the struggle ceased, and the wild eyes 
fixed themselves on the speaker’s face, but that was all. 
There was no recognition, and the struggles were re- 
sumed, and the fearful shriek again rang out. 

Perhaps the person who lives with her — Miss Balk 
— may be able to do something. Have you sent for 
her ? ” 

Ho ; I never thought of her. I’ll send for her 
now.” 

He did so, and just then the doctors were announced. 

Their decision was that Mrs. Bobinson should be sent 
as soon as possible to a lunatic asylum, and they at once 


438 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


secured her so that she could not do harm to herself or 
to others. They pronounced the case a hopeless one of 
exceptional violence, the result apparently of a dreadful 
shock, and they questioned to ascertain what shock she 
could have sustained ;■ but Robinson denied that she had 
received any shock, at least to his knowledge; neither 
did he announce to the somewhat puzzled physicians his 
intention of making The Castle her asylum. He re- 
served that announcement until he should have the best 
medical advice from Boston, which advice he intended 
to summon the next morning. He was not concerned 
about the suspicions that must arise regarding his hasty 
marriage. Helen was his wife, and the most rigid in- 
vestigation would not be able to gainsay that fact, nor 
could it prove that he had laid any violent hands upon 
her ; he certainly had not, save in self-defence, and the 
blood upon her dress was only that which came from its 
contact with the blood she had drawn from him. Of 
what the whole village would say of him when the story, 
with its dreadful details, made even more dreadful by 
the customary exaggerations of servants’ lips, should be 
known, he cared little. It could scarcely say worse 
things than it already had said, and so long as he had 
secured his aim in making Helen his wife, mad though 
she was now, he was satisfied. 

A little latter, an answer was received from Miss 
Balk, — an answer which was quite characteristic of that 
lady’s caustic and eccentric disposition. Since Mrs. 


REAPING THE 'WHIRLWIND. 


439 


Phillips had chosen to become the wife of Mr. Eobinson, 
to Mr. Eobinson Miss Balk surrendered all charge of or 
interest in Mrs. Phillips. Sane, or mad, Mrs. Phillips 
was now Mrs. Eobinson, and as such Miss Balk no longer 
knew her, — ^n answer which made Eobinson, his 
brother-in-law, and Mildred look at each other ; but they 
made no remark, probably because they did not know 
what to say. 

Lights shone all that night in The Castle ; every room 
seemed to be illuminated, for neither guests nor servants 
could sleep. Eodney was perhaps the only one to whom 
slumber came, for, after seeing the patient (Eobinson 
on the conclusion of the doctors^ visit, having sent for 
him), he said to himself: 

By Jove! if retribution is not well meted to Mrs. 
Phillips ! She is paying compound interest for all her 
infernal treachery and deception. She sowed the wind 
and she is reaping the whirlwind. 

The opinion of the skilled physicians from Boston was 
much the same as that of their brothers of lower profes- 
sional rank; and to Mr. Eobinson’s announcement of 
keeping his wife in The Castle they offered no objection 
when they found that he intended to have the same care 
taken of her as there would be in the asylum. A com- 
petent nurse would be immediately provided, their ser- 
vices would be permanently engaged, and a part of the 
house was to be exclusively assigned to the patient. 
Then Mr. Eobinson turned his attention to his brother- 


440 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


in-law and Eodney. Rodney had delayed his journey 
to 'New York in order to know the result of the visit of 
the Boston physicians, and now he, accompanied by 
Wiley, was ready to set forth. 

I want one thing settled before you go,’’ said Robin- 
son. I want you to promise, Chester, that you 
won’t go away from The Castle, you nor Mildred. I 
want you now more than ever since she’s ” — pointing to 
the part of the house where Helen raved — that way. 
Will you promise ? ” And without waiting for an an- 
swer, as he saw a doubtful expression cross Rodney’s 
face, he continued, You can make it all right with 
Gerald jist the same; tell him to come here. He’ll 
come quick enough now, I reckon. Will you promise, 
Chester?” 

Wiley could promise for himself but he hesitated to 
promise for his niece; so then and there, the factory 
owner brooking no delay. Miss Burchill was sent for. 
She looked pained when told of the object of- her sum- 
mons, for since the preceding night a longer residence 
in The Castle had become utterly repugnant to her. It 
seemed to contain so much that was repulsive and 
hideous, and now that it was to continue to hold that 
poor mad creature, the very atmosphere of the place had 
grown distasteful. They read her objections in her face 
before she spoke ; and Robinson, with that strange soft- 
ening of his tones and manner which she had once before 
experienced, entreated her to remain. Her uncle also 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


441 


was extremely disposed to agree to the proposal, and 
even Rodney said: 

I think it is the best plan, Miss Burchill.” 

Thus adjured she did consent, and she withdrew to 
acquaint Cora, while her uncle and the lawyer departed 
for the train, and Robinson went to his raving wife. 


CHAPTEE XL VI. 


Amid all the legal business which the proving of Hor- 
ton^s innocence demanded, Eodney found time to write 
a lengthy letter to Thurston. How his pen flew over 
the paper, detailing every iota of the strange events 
which had taken place, — Mrs. Phillips^ dreadful retri- 
bution; Miss BurchilFs noble self-sacrifice; Eobinson’s 
own desire to have Gerald know all that had happened ; 
and, lastly, an entreaty to the young man to return im- 
mediately. 

That letter reached Gerald in a little German village 
whither he had gone for novelty and forgetfulness, — 
reached him as he was going out for a stroll in the bright 
afternoon, — and he put it into his pocket, not being in 
any haste to read it, feeling that no very interesting 
news could come to him now. But, oddly enough, the 
very act of placing it in his pocket recalled an evening 
seven years before, when he went forth, also with a letter 
lying close to his bosom, — a letter which his impatience 
already had devoured twice, and which his love for the 
writer fain would have placed in his very heart. All 
returned to him now, — the love with which he once 
loved her; the shock caused by her deception; the 
calmer and the deeper love which had caught him in its 
442 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


443 


toils; the disappointment sustained also in that; the 
bitterness that seemed to flood his whole life since. It 
made him groan aloud, and he walked on to the suburbs 
of the village that no curious eye might read in his face 
traces of an emotion he could scarcely conceal. 

More to distract himself from his thoughts than from 
any other motive, he drew forth Kodney’s letter and 
read it, — read it twice, three times, and then he lifted 
his hat and stood looking up in reverence and gratitude. 
It seemed the first thing he ought to do in reparation for 
his distrust of Providence, who so truly had cared for 
and guided him through the mazes of trouble he had 
traversed. 

His answer to Rodney was penned with as much 
celerity as that gentleman had written, and then he pro- 
ceeded to write to Miss Burchill ; but it was no brief let- 
ter which he wrote. His admiration of and love for 
her, now returned and increased tenfold, impelled him 
to pour out his whole soul, and so it was the history of 
his own heart which he inscribed. He concealed noth- 
ing, going back to his early boyhood, when his first great 
grief was the loss of his mother; his life afterwards 
passed in a Southern city with his father, a proud man 
and one of ungovernable temper when it was aroused. 

He was the owner of several slaves, and one day,^^ 
the letter continued, I came accidentally upon him in a 
fit of uncontrollable rage with a slave, a man of fifty 
years or more. His rage took the form of personal vio- 


444 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


lence to the trembling culprit, and as I saw the riding- 
whip in mj father^s hand descend in repeated heavy 
blows I could not endure it. I sprang upon my father, 
wrested the whip from him, and bade the slave begone. 
He never forgave me. I had wounded his pride so 
severely by thus, in his own eyes, degrading him, that 
every impulse of his stern and haughty nature was 
aroused into implacable anger against me. 

He bade me also begone, and I, too, cut to the quick 
by his unreasonable wrath, took him at his word. 
I left him, and we never met again. I have some reason 
to believe that he relented at the very last when death 
was upon him ; but through the years which succeeded 
our unhappy parting I could learn nothing that would 
indicate a softening upon his part, and I, also, was too 
proud, and considered myself too much injured to sue 
for forgiveness. To my mind I had done nothing that 
required pardon, and I thought the first overtures should 
come from him. 

His lawyer, Mr. Rodney, was my warmest friend, 
and he used every effort to effect a reconciliation; but 
both of us, father and son, were too proud to make the 
first advances, and at length, in a fit of anger that Rod- 
ney should persist in his efforts for me, he transferred 
all his legal business from Rodney to Lawyer Miller. 
Shortly after a relative died and left him a vast fortune 
on condition that he would legally change his name from 
Thurston to hers,— Phillips. He did so/ and it was 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


U6 

under that name that Miss Brower met him. Perhaps 
I have been to blame in not telling Miss Brower during 
her engagement to me all that I have now frankly told 
you. But I told her father, and he sympathizing with 
my reluctance to speak oftener than was absolutely 
necessary of a subject so painful to me, and sympathiz- 
ing also with a hope of which I could not divest myself 
that I should one day again be taken to my father’s 
heart, and then would be time enough to tell her, entirely 
favored my wish to say nothing to Helen. Had she 
known, it might have prevented some unhappy circum- 
stances.” 

In deference to Mildred’s own gentle charity he did 
not say more of Miss Brower’s relations with himself, 
but he went on at once into another subject, — a second 
manly offer of his heart and hand to Miss Burchill, and 
then he ended by stating the probable time of his depart- 
ure for Hew York. 

Immediately that the letter was dispatched he began 
counting the days which must elapse before it would 
reach her hand, and then he pictured her surprise, and 
he hoped — though, with the unreasonableness of all 
ardent lovers, he feared it might not be so — her delight, 
when she should read the contents. He had purposely 
fixed the date of his departure a little latter than was 
necessary, in order to give her ample time to receive the 
letter and be prepared to meet him. 

His fears would have been quite dispelled CQuld ho 


446 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


have seen her when at length his letter reached her, and 
she had read its contents more than once. She sank to 
her knees in gratitude and pressed it to her lips amid the 
happiest tears she had ever shed. 

But all her joys for which she was so devoutly thank- 
ful were tempered and saddened by the constant thought 
of that poor raving creature in another part of the house. 
She visited her voluntarily every day ; Helen, beyond a 
momentary fixing of her wild eyes, paid no attention. 
And yet among her incoherent and meaningless utter- 
ances were often the names of Gerald and Mildred, 
sometimes shrieked in a way to make any listener shud- 
der, and at such times Miss Burchill was glad enough to 
get out of sight and sound of the unhappy woman. 

All Eastbury had enough to gossip about for weeks ; — 
Robinson’s sudden and unexpected marriage to the 
widow, and her ensuing insanity; Wiley not Wiley any 
longer, but Chester Horton, the escaped convict, and 
now proved to be entirely innocent of every charge 
against him, and the recipient of congratulations from 
some of the wealthiest and most infiuential men both of 
Boston and New York; Cora Horton his daughter, and 
he himself the brother-in-law of Robinson; Brower the 
deceased banker, whose character while living was sup- 
posed to be the very essence of probity, now proved from 
his own confession to have been a forger and a mur- 
derer ; and lastly, Barbara Balk continuing to live as she 
had done in the little house so long occupied by Mrs. 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


447 


Phillips, and never manifesting the slightest interest in 
her late companion, for somehow the message which she 
had returned, when informed of Helen’s sudden mar- 
riage and subsequent madness, had gotten abroad. 
Surely, here was material enough to supply every break- 
fast, dinner, and tea-table of the good Eastbury folks 
with gossip for a long, long time. And it did. Hot an- 
other topic could find place for discussion, nor would it 
be listened to with any degree of interest while The 
Castle contained such interesting people. 

Perhaps to no one did the manifold strange tidings 
come with such a revelation as to the Hogans. Mrs. 
Hogan cried from very joy. 

Sure I knew, Dick,” she said, looking up into her 
husband’s face with that expression of artless confidence 
which always touched him in spite of himself, that 
we couldn’t be deceived in Miss Burchill’s character. 
She was too kind and gentle always to do anything that 
would be wrong and the report of her going to marry 
Kobinson must have been a mistake.” 

Eastbury gossip, while it had learned much, had not 
learned the truth about Miss Burchill’s engagement to 
the factory owner. 

Dick hung his head, concurring silently in his wife’s 
charitable opinions. 

The recently made bride was dying. Insanity’s fire 
was too violent for her not over strong frame, and it 
consumed her daily until she now lay too weak even to 


448 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


struggle, so that her bonds could be removed with safety, 
and she might be permitted to pant away her life unre- 
strained except by the kind watchfulness of those who 
attended her. But little remained of her once exquisite 
beauty. Her hair had been shorn close to her head — the 
doctors demanding it, — and her blooming complexion 
had given place to a ghastly pallor, while her eyes, 
though retaining their beauty of form, had lost the ex- 
quisite softness which had been their chief charm, and 
her forehead, drawn almost constantly by her contor- 
tions into unsightly wrinkles, had grown at last to re- 
tain the ugly impressions, while her cheeks, having be- 
come so thin as to form great hollows, made her look 
years older. Eobinson, whether from affection or a 
sense of remorse, was her constant attendant, and his 
touch, as he sometimes caught her hand or pressed his 
own upon her forehead, seemed gentle and kindly 
enough. She did not shrink from him, nor struggle in 
any way now. All power to do that had gone, and the 
only sign of life she gave was her continued heavy 
breathing. Her eyes were fixed on some point directly 
in front of her, nor would the touch of a finger upon 
her eyelash cause her even to wink. Her sight seemed 
to have vanished. Mildred and Cora w-ere by her bed- 
side, and both were silently crying. There was some- 
thing so inexpressibly sad in this poor soul going forth 
to the dread eternity without one returning gleam of 
reason, one moment of consciousness in which to say 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


449 


Our Father,” and Mildred, on her knees, bent the 
closer to the damp, pallid face, and breathed more fer- 
vent prayers for the passing soul. There was a move- 
ment of the hitherto still form, a twitching of the limbs, 
a partial cessation of the heavy breathing, a return ap- 
parently of sight and expression to the fixed eyes, and 
then from the partially opened mouth came one dis- 
tinctly uttered word Gerald ! ” and the soul of the 
speaker had gone forth forever. 

Had a last momentary gleam of reason been vouch- 
safed to her, in which remorse and still unconquered 
love, or both, had wrung from her that name, or was it 
the desire of her soul for him whom she had so cruelly 
wronged, forcing itself up to emit at the last its yearning 
and heartbroken cry ? Hone might know ; it was one of 
those secrets which rest alone between God and his 
creature. 

Mildred came forth from the death-chamber, and de- 
scended to be met in the main hall by Thurston. He 
had arrived in Hew York sooner than he had expected, 
and, his impatience brooking no delay, he had taken 
the first train to Boston and thence to Eastbury. Catch- 
ing her to him impulsively, he drew her into the parlor. 

Surprise and joy, together with the sad emotions 
which still somewhat influenced her, kept her silent, 
though her looks gave him all the welcome he wished, 
noticing the traces of tears on her cheeks, he asked in 
some alarm, the cause. 

29 


450 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


His question aroused anew her pity for the poor dead 
creature above stairs, and she said, with a burst of 
tears : 

She has just died.’^ 

He knew whom she meant, and he became as sorrow- 
ful-looking as herself. Somehow, death in most cases 
levels all anger and animosity, and so softens in its 
grim light that which had aroused our displeasure that 
we pity and forgive almost unconsciously. 

It was so with Gerald. The rancor in his heart for 
his stepmother seemed to go suddenly out, and to leave 
in its place a sad, pitying feeling that was more akin to 
tenderness than even to pardon from a sense of duty. 

Will you come with me and look at her ? Her last 
word was your name.” 

He allowed her to lead him, and in a few moments he 
stood in the death-chamber beside her bed, and oppo- 
site to Robinson. It was across her dead form that 
Robinson extended his hand in welcome, and then both 
men looked down at her, — she who had held so near and 
so strange a relation to them both. 

The cold, pallid, rigid face bore scarcely a trace of 
resemblance to the woman he had once loved, and after 
a brief survey, Gerald turned from her. He had for- 
given her, but he was eager to forget her. 

Eastbury had another fruitful theme of gossip in the 
death of Mrs. Robinson, and in conjecturing what sort 
of a funeral she would have. They were not a little 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


451 


surprised when they found that the factory owner 
seemed determined to pay every respect to the memory 
of his dead wife. The servants reported her as lying 
in a sort of state on a magnificent bier in one of the par- 
lors, and some of them went so far as to give surrepti- 
tious views of the corpse to their intimate friends. 

Miss Balk, of course, heard of the death, and she im- 
mediately took her way to The Castle, asking, when she 
arrived for Mrs. Robinson. 

Mrs. Robinson is dead, ma’am,’^ said the aston- 
ished servant. 

I know she^s dead,^^ answered Barbara, with grim 
severity ; if she were living I would not have to come 
to see her. I have come expressly because she is dead, 
and I must see her.” 

The man in much doubt as to whether he should 
admit her, and yet in too much awe of her to refuse, 
found his hesitation cut short by Barbara sweeping past 
him with an angrily spoken : 

If you donT know where to conduct me, I can find 
someone who does.” 

She did not wait for the man’s rapid steps behind 
her, but went on at her very smartest pace, apparently 
careless of the part of the house to which her course 
might lead her. But the domestic overtook her, deter- 
mining as soon as he should usher her into the presence 
of the dead to tell Mr. Robinson. He said, when they 
reached the parlor where the dead woman lay: 


45 ^ 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


She’s in this room, ma’am.” 

At the same time he opened the door very gently, and 
only opened it sufficient for Barbara to pass in ; but she, 
giving him a look from her black eyes which he swore to 
his fellow servants was a look of the evil one himself, 
flung the door wide open and stalked in. 

The room was very large, and on an elevated bier in 
the centre reposed the remains of the recently made 
wife. There was no one present, being early in the 
afternoon, and the custom of the New Englanders to 
leave no watchers with the dead. So Barbara could act 
without fear of espionage. 

The bier was as elegant as skill and taste could make 
it, and the poor corpse as fair looking as a costly white 
shroud could render her. But her face remained the 
same changed and somewhat repulsive thing it had be- 
come a little while after death. Barbara went very 
close to the corpse. 

You can’t answer me now, Helen,” she said : 
you’ll have to lie there and listen to all I have to say 
to you. You can’t rise now and face me, and scowl, 
and fling your pretty sarcastic speeches at me. You’re 
quiet enough, and your bonds won’t break, nor lessen, 
I ween. Do you hear me ? Does my voice reach your 
soul, that has met its retribution at last? Does your 
spirit writhe and scoff at my words? It is no use, 
Helen ; you will have to listen, for all that, for it is my 
turn now. 


HEAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


453 


There was bad blood in yon, Helen, you had to be 
what you were; it was in your mother before you, an- 
other beautiful devil like yourself. She knew that I 
was engaged to your father, that the very day had been 
set for our marriage, and yet, with her beauty and her 
wiles, she came between us. I didn’t blame him, he 
couldn’t help yielding to the temptation, for she ensnared 
him. I hated her. I could have killed her, and the 
only way to save myself from doing some desperate 
thing was to keep out of her sight. But she died when 
you were a baby, and then your father sent for me. He 
wanted some one to take care of her child. I loved him 
still, and so I went to him. After a little he would 
have repaired the wrong he did, by marrying me, but I, 
being no such spiritless thing as that, refused him. 

You grew like your mother j — like her in looks, like 
her in that apparent amiability that used to make me 
feel like clawing her into some sort of temper; but I 
meant to be just to you until your intolerable vanity and 
tricky disposition made me hate you as I had hated 
her. I hated everybody who seemed to be won by your 
beauty or your manners; for that sole cause I hated 
Thurston. 

“ Your father must have known something of my feel- 
ings, for I took little pains to conceal them, but he was 
so broken down by secret guilt and remorse of his own 
that he did not pay much attention to them. When he 
was dying he told me the dreadful crimes he had com- 


454 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


mitted, but I wasn’t to tell them until your death, should 
I live the longer, unless the telling of them should be 
necessary to prevent the commission of any further great 
wrong. 

A further great wrong was about to be committed. 
Poor fool ! Out of your own mouth came the admission 
that through you Mildred Burchill was to be forced into 
a marriage with that old hulk, Pobinson. Then was 
my time and my turn. I told your father’s secrets, and 
you have met your deserts. 

That is all, Helen. I am going now. I wanted to 
have a last interview with you, just to tell you these 
things, and I didn’t come before, because they said you 
were mad, and I knew you wouldn’t understand me. 
But I guess your spirit hears and understands me now, 
and I wonder what it thinks of your beauty now? 
Poor, wretched beauty ! it’s all gone, Helen, and you are 
lying there as ugly looking as I am.” 

She wheeled from the corpse as abruptly as she had 
advanced to it, and she was taking her rapid way out 
of the room when she was met by Miss Burchill. 

The astonished and somewhat intimidated domestic, 
unsuccessful in his search for Bobinson, had as a last 
resource, told Mildred, and she, suspecting the identity 
of the strange visitor, had hurried to see her. 

Miss Balk ! ” she exclaimed, in a tone of pleased 
surprise at the same time extending her hand. But 


ItEAPiNG THE WHIRLWIND. 


455 


Barbara folded her hands more closely in her mantle, 
answering : 

There is nothing to give your hand to me for, Miss 
Burchill.’^ 

Somewhat pained by this repulse, though at the same 
time determining not to yield to it, since she knew the 
eccentric character of the speaker, she said again, very 
gently : 

I think there is. Miss Balk ; from Mr. Bodney I 
have learned that it is to you I owe my release from my 
promise to marry Mr. Bobinson.” 

Events just shaped themselves that way,” answered 
Barbara, in her severe tones. 

Still,” resumed Mildred, I owe you not a little 
gratitude; not alone for my present happiness but for 
your kindness in the past to my poor old grandfather. 
I have never forgotten it; I shall never forget it, and 
for it I pray daily that Heaven may ever bless you.” 

For one instant the hard, deeply lined face, looking 
so steadfastly at Miss Burchill, perceptibly softened; 
then she gathered her mantle to her, and answered, in 
her usual tones : 

Memories of kind acts don’t stay in most people’s 
minds. It’s the memories of things which rankle and 
burn that stay, and when you’re tempted to be set up by 
any happiness that comes to you, just think of that poor 
wretch,” taking her hand from her mantle with a jerk 


456 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


and pointing to the bier. She was set up too, once, 
and what has she come to ? A miserable clod.’’ 

Without even an adieu she had passed Mildred, and 
was out in the hall before the young woman could 
recover from her astonishment sufficiently to see that 
she was properly conducted to the door. 


CHAPTEK XLVIL 


Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.’’ The minister who 
had performed the marriage ceremony performed the 
funeral rite, and all that was mortal of the once exquisite 
beauty was laid away one fair afternoon in one of the 
lovely resting spots in Mount Auburn. Pohinson seemed 
strangely unlike himself. A peculiar and very unusual 
restlessness marked his whole demeanor, while fre- 
quently strange, abrupt starts and long, strained looks 
into vacancy would seem to betoken a mind not wholly 
rational. He evinced no grief for his dead wife beyond 
a solemn visage and the depth of the crape on his hat, 
but at the minister’s prayer he bowed his head, and was 
even seen to move his lips, whether in accompaniment to 
the petition no one could tell. Was it that this unhappy 
death had stirred his callous soul and awakened fears 
for his own end? People who saw him were full of 
conjectures. Indeed they were far more curious about 
him — he who had been so long regarded as without the 
pale of all religious influence — than about the details 
of the costly funeral. 

On the return to The Castle, all except Pohinson him- 
self, were surprised to meet Podney. He had taken 
457 


458 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


his departure but a couple of days before, and without 
intimating any speedy return. 

I have come on business that interests you all,’’ be 
smilingly answered, and right after dinner I want to 
bold a conference.” 

The conference was held, but without the factory 
owner. 

Robinson will not join us until be knows the result 
of our meeting,” explained the lawyer, and then, laugh* 
ing aloud as be looked from one to the other of their 
astonished faces, he began as soon as he had composed 
himself : 

Providence works strangely, and justice, when it 
seems farthest removed, is often nearest to us. Here is 
this wealthy Robinson — this hard, shrewd Yankee as 
he is — carrying with him for years a childish and 
incredible fear of ghosts, or spooks,” as he calls them. 
He insists that for years he has never failed to see 
them, mostly at a certain hour every evening, and to 
help to ward off the dreadful fear in which they put him 
he has numerous lights ablaze in his study, and even 
in his bed-chamber, for sometimes they visit him there. 
That was the reason he required Miss Horton’s company 
every evening, though whether she saw the spooks or 
not I am unable to tell.” 

He addressed himself with a smile to Cora, who 
flushed deeply and answered: 

I never saw anything, hut uncle used to get into 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


459 


dreadful states, and at first lie told me it was only 
nervousness ; afterwards he accidentally revealed that he 
saw strange things.’’ 

That was also the reason,” resumed the lawyer, 
that he wanted to marry. He felt, somehow, that his 
burden of fear might be lessened did he have a wife to 
help him to carry it, and now, however, that he has 
obtained a wife only to lose her so speedily, he is in 
greater dread than ever of these ghostly visitations, and 
he would throw himself upon the mercy of you, his 
friends and relatives, to bear him company, — at least, 
during these trying times. That you can only do by 
consenting, all of you, to remain at The Castle. He 
is aware that Miss Burchill and Mr. Thurston are only 
waiting for the day of their marriage, which is at hand, 
to take their final departure from Eastbury; that Mr. 
Thurston desires to engage in business, in Hew York, 
and that Miss Burchill, or, as she will be then, Mrs. 
Thurston, will accompany him. In order to obviate 
this necessity, Mr. Robinson has already taken the 
necessary legal steps for putting Mr. Thurston into 
possession of the wealth which he is convinced the late 
Mr. Phillips desired to leave to his son, and not to the 
lady who married him while she was bound by a 
promise of marriage to another. Rich as Mr. Thurston 
speedily will be, there will remain no necessity for him 
to engage in any business. It is also Mr. Robinson’s 
desire that The Castle be enlarged and improved in 


460 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


accordance with the wish of any of its present occupants. 
That is all, and I now wait your answer to this poor, 
fear-stricken old man.’’ 

It was a minute or more before any one could speak. 
Then the warmest congratulations came to Gerald from 
every voice, and while he answered them he was secretly 
thinking of the beneficent and inscrutable ways of a 
loving Providence. 

ITow, what shall I say to Robinson ? ” asked Rodney, 
rising. 

All eyes turned to Gerald, hut he looked at Mildred. 

Which shall it be ? ” he asked softly. The Castle 
or 'New York ? ” 

And she, with humid eyes, answered, without a 
moment’s hesitation : 

The Castle.” 

The factory owner seemed the most anxious for the 
wedding, taking almost a childish interest in the simple 
preparations, for Mildred would have no display. One 
of her first acts was a munificent present to Mrs. Hogan, 
and a cordial invitation to her to visit The Castle. But 
Mrs. Hogan answered: 

You’ll forgive me, dear, if I refuse ; somehow, I 
can’t bring myself to set foot in Robinson’s place. I 
know he’s changed, and the people talk of him as being 
softer in his ways, hut I have a feeling for him here ” — 
putting her hand to her breast — that, while it wouldn’t 
harm him, still won’t let me think of him much. So 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


461 


you’ll forgive me, dear, and may the blessing of Heaven 
be on your marriage and on your whole life after.” 

The wedding took place, a very quiet ceremony, 
followed by a delicious little homelike repast, and the 
departure of the bridal couple on a week’s tour, Robin- 
son having begged them not to make it longer. He 
counted the days from the moment that they started, 
and his face wore a strangely woe-begone expression 
until the morning of their expected return. On that 
day he rose jubilant, and towards evening, when it 
lacked but an hour of the arrival of the train on which 
they were expected, he determined to drive to meet them. 
By some strange chance the horse which on one occa- 
sion put Thurston’s life in jeopardy was harnessed*to the 
wagon, instead of the animal the factory owner usually 
drove. But as the beast had lost much of its viciousness, 
and Robinson was too impatient to wait to have him 
changed, he drove on. They went fairly enough until 
a curve in the road made it necessary to wheel about 
somewhat. Then the animal’s old mettle, which always 
rebelled at any curb, rose, and in a moment he was 
beyond Robinson’s control. In his nervousness, he 
dropped a. rein; he stooped forward to seize it, but the 
lurches of the horse drove him, head first, over the 
dash-board. He fell, his head outward, so that it 
escaped the hoofs of the beast ; but his foot had become 
entangled in the hanging rein^ and he was dragged 


462 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


along, his body bumping with sickening thuds on the 
road. 

JMr. and Mrs. Hogan were returning together from 
some errand. The strange sounds behind them made 
them turn. 

O my God ! it’s Kobinson,” screamed the affrighted 
woman, as the rapidly drawn vehicle, with its now 
bloody and dirt-covered human appendage, came near 
enough to discern it plainly. Save him, Dick ! ” she 
cried, urging forward her husband; but he needed no 
bidding. 

In an instant, utterly regardless of his own life or 
limb, he was at the head of the horse, holding him with 
all his strength. But the beast would still have dashed 
on, perhaps even flinging to his death Hogan, who so 
courageously and desperately kept his hold, had not 
other passers-by come to his assistance. 

Kobinson breathed, but no more. And it was Mrs. 
Hogan who pillowed his bruised and bloody head upon 
her bosom, and shed down upon it scalding tears of 
commiseration. 

In a little while all the village seemed to know of 
the accident, and, with such tender care as could be 
hastily provided, the factory owner was borne back to 
The Castle. His return was simultaneous with that of 
the bridal couple, and the ghastly, unconscious face 
which met them was the only welcome he could give. 

The doctor said he might live until morning, and 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


463 


Mr. and Mrs. Thurston, together with Horton and Cora, 
watched tenderly by his bedside. Every heart had 
softened to him some time ago, and now his helpless 
condition roused their sympathies anew. Both Mildred 
and Cora hung tearful above his pillow, each wishing 
for one lucid moment in which to whisper some tender 
words. At midnight, though the doctors had given little 
hope that such would be the case, consciousness returned 
to him. He opened his eyes wide, and turned them at 
once to Mildred. 

I want to speak to her,” he said, with difficulty ; 
go away, the rest of you.” 

They obeyed him. 

I am dying, ainT I ? ” he asked, looking fixedly at 

her. 

She told him gently, what the doctors had said. 

Then kneel here,” indicating a position quite close 
to his face ; my breathes failing me, and I want to 
tell you something.” He gasped, and his voice sunk to 
a whisper. Bring your ear close. If I whisper, my 
strength will hold out.” 

She pnt her ear close to his mouth. 

When I married my young cousin long ago, and 
brought her back to Eastbury dead, people said I 
killed her. She took sick while we were away, and the 
doctor gave me medicine for her, and at the same time 
he gave me an application for my head — I used to have 
stunning headaches then — that looked dreadful like 


464 : 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


her medicine, but it was poison. I loved her, she was 
so gentle and childlike, but I wanted her money. I 
wanted the money that was so fixed upon her that I 
couldn’t git it until after her death, and I used to think 
what if by chance these two medicines got mixed; and 
so I got to looking at them and handling them, and they 
did git mixed, and I couldn’t tell which was which, 
and the nurse gave her the wrong one. She died, and 
then I began to have dreadful feelings, — feelings that 
wouldn’t give me no rest nights, and that made me think 
of her always as she looked when she was dying, with a 
look that seemed to say she knew what I had done. 

“ So I came at last to see her every evening, and to 
see her dead father pointing his bony finger at me. And 
when Mrs. Hogan cursed me that time, wishing that I 
might he always haunted, I thought I’d have dropped, 
for it seemed to he a sort of guarantee that I’d never be 
free from the spooks any more. I got to going to the 
hotel nights about the time that I expected the spooks, 
and sometimes I fancied I cheated them that way ; for, 
though I felt them with me out on the road, I didn’t 
see ’em, and when I got hack to The Castle they didn’t 
seem able to show themselves for more than a second. 
I used to think that they had only that hour to come to 
me, but once in a while they came to me up here while 
I lay in bed. That’s the reason I got all the lights in 
my study and here. Somehow, I didn’t feel so skeered 
when all the lights was round,” 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


465 


He seemed to be getting stronger, or was it the last 
and desperate effort of a will which would not yield 
until he had told all that lay upon his guilty soul ? He 
had even strength to put out his hand and seize the 
shoulder of Mildred, as if he would brace himself, 
while he continued: 

That’s the reason I had so much company. The 
racket they kept up sort of quieted my fears, and made 
me sort of stronger to meet the spooks. Then I asked 
Gerald to live with me. I had an idea of getting him 
to spend that hour in the study with me that the spooks 
came; but, somehow, I was ashamed to ask him. So 
when my sister asked me to care for her little girl I 
thought that was a good chance of having a companion. 
I brought Cora here, and had her come to the study 
every evening. I was afraid at first I’d skeer her, so 
that she’d never come again, but she seemed to believe 
what I told her about my nerves. 

When I first saw you, you looked so much like my 
dead wife that you kind of skeered me, and when you 
came here to live I got to like you, and wanted to marry 
you, because I thought if I was good to you I might 
kind of appease my dead wife’s ghost some way. But 
when I couldn’t git you, I made Mrs. Phillips marry 
me 80 as to have a wife anyway. She would have to 
take her turn with these spooks; at least, as my wife, 
she’d have to stay with me whenever they came to me. 
The night I married her, the hour for the spooks to 

30 


466 


REAPING THE WHIRLWIND. 


come was when I was out on the road driving for Parson 
Tabor. And the spooks were with me. I could feel ’em, 
feel their breath on my face, and feel as if they was a- 
sitting there in the wagon with me. I didn’t mind that 
so much, so long as I didn’t see ’em, and I was hoping 
that they wouldn’t come to me no more that night. 
They didn’t come until arter our marriage. I was up- 
stairs with Helen, trying to bring her out of that faint. 
She came out of it, and, jist as she stood up and looked 
at me, right beside her stood the two spooks, — my 
dead wife and her father. Helen didn’t see ’em; she 
only saw the dreadful terror they put me in, and I 
reckon that was the shock that sent her out of her mind, 
for in a minute she had dashed the lights about, and 
flung herself on me in the way I told you before. By 
that time the spooks were gone and the things was afire. 

I ain’t seen Helen’s spook yet, and I reckon I won’t 
till I git to the other side. It’s gitting awful dark, 
Mildred; give me your hand.” He took his own hand 
from her shoulder, and groped in the empty air for the 
hand she extended to him. 

Dark ! ” he repeated. “ Dark ! Dark ! ” 

With the last words his spirit went forth, and the 
darkness of death settled upon his mortal eyes. 


THE END. 


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